Leigh Pastoral Area

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Archbishop Sentamu calls for Mugabe regime to be toppled

Dr John Sentamu, the Anglican Archbishop of York, has called for the international community to bring an end to the “charade of power sharing” and to remove the administration of Robert Mugabe from power in Zimbabwe.

Writing in The Observer Newspaper yesterday, Dr Sentamu compared the situation in Zimbabwe to that he faced as a dissident in Uganda under Idi Amin: “Where are the African governments or leaders with the courage of Julius Nyerere, the former President of Tanzania, who ousted Idi Amin after recognising that his neighbour had become a tyrant and who marched an army into Uganda to bring an end to the killing fields? In Uganda, we were beaten, tortured, abused and hundreds were murdered, but never did we starve to death or see the level of suffering which is to be found in today’s Zimbabwe.”

Dr Sentamu also called for the international community to recognise that the power sharing agreement between Zanu Pf and MDC was “dead” and had failed: “As cholera devastates a Zimbabwe already on its knees, our Prime Minister, our Foreign Secretary and the US Secretary of State have all called for an end to the regime of Mugabe. Now these voices must unite for a further call to bring an end to the charade of power-sharing that has enabled Mugabe to remain in office, assisted by his ruthless politburo. The time has come for the international community to recognise that the power-sharing deal signed in September is dead. The impasse within the South African-sponsored negotiations between the MDC and Zanu PF has been sustained by a Mugabe regime which is unwilling to give up power and refuses to recognise the rule of law.”

The Archbishop also urged the international community to bring Robert Mugabe and his closest supporters before The Hague to stand trial for their crimes against the people of Zimbabwe: “The time has come for Mugabe to answer for his crimes against humanity, against his countrymen and women and for justice to be done. The winds of change that once brought hope to Zimbabwe and its neighbours have become a hurricane of destruction with the outbreak of cholera, destitution, starvation and systemic abuse of power by the state. As a country cries out for justice, we can no longer be inactive to their call. Mugabe and his henchmen must now take their rightful place in the Hague and answer for their actions. The time to remove them from power has come.”

Urging the international community not to shirk from its responsibility, the Archbishop also quoted Martin Luther King, suggesting that: “We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people.”

From the Archbishop’s Desk

December 2008

‘Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.’ We accept those words from the Book of Revelation, as we enter Advent and Christmastide. It is clear what that must mean for us who our Lord’s compassion and concern: be renewed in the longing of Advent and the joy of Christmas for the sake of everyone. Thousands come to this Christmas afraid and anxious; the burden of those wicked advertisements focussed on children that say: ‘Only £19.99,’ suggesting that only parents who do not love will fail to get it for you, will be felt severely. It will be even more dangerous than usual this year if the inversion of how things are meant to be continues: I mean a Feast followed by a Fast that means Christmas is over by about 3.00 pm on the 25 December; sadly that day of new hope and light is one of the busiest days for those wonderful people who serve as Samaritans. It will be a blessing for others and us if there is simplicity in our celebrations: if we seize every opportunity to keep Advent, for example by Advent celebrations of Reconciliation, when personally accepting the call of John the Baptist.

Once more the BBC will broadcast Midnight Mass from our Cathedral. Those coming are asked to be there by 11.00 pm. The Mass will begin at 11.30 pm. The BBC have asked we do not ignore the anxieties of many this year and offer joy when the usual resources presumed necessary for the feast are not there. In the power of the Holy Spirit the Christmas joy is assured.

+ Patrick Kelly
Archbishop of Liverpool

Family Thoughts for Advent 2008

The following family thoughts are parish bulletin fillers produced by the Archdiocese of Armagh Family Ministry Team.

First Sunday of Advent (B) 30th November 2008
God is depicted today as our Father and as a potter shaping the clay. Loving parents who help to fashion the lives of their children offer their children a glimpse of God’s eternal love. Take time today to thank God for all the graces you have received as a family.

Second Sunday of Advent (B) 7th December 2008
Isaiah depicts God as a shepherd who gathers lambs in his arm and holds them against his breast. When parents comfort their children by hugging them and holding against their breast they are communicating not only their own love but also something of God’s tender love for those children. Give your child a hug today.

Third Sunday of Advent (B) 14th December 2008
Parenting is sacred work. Like the servant in today’s reading, parents are involved in binding up hearts that are broken, proclaiming liberty to captives, clothing children, wrapping babies in blankets and affirming children’s dignity. Pray for the guidance of the Spirit in your parenting.

Fourth Sunday of Advent (B) 21st December 2008
Mary listened to what was being asked of her and then responded with great generosity. Take time today to listen to the members of your family. Listen to their needs and for ways you can be of assistance to them in the run up to Christmas.

2nd Week of Advent

Carols by Candlelight - In the grounds of Sacred Heart Church, Hindsford, on Tuesday 9th December at 7.00 pm.

Advent Service of Reconciliation - Tuesday 9th December at 7.30 pm at Twelve Apostles
Advent Service of Reconciliation - Wednesday 10th December at 7.30 pm at St Richard’s

Leigh Churches Scripture Group - Wednesday 10th December, 7.30 - 9.00 pm, at Sacred Heart, Leigh. 

Advent Holy Hour - Thursday 11th December, 7.00 - 8.00 pm, at Holy Family.

Atherton Outdoor Nativity - Atherton Town Centre on Friday December 12th at approximately 6.00 pm.

Churches Together in Boothstown - Outdoor Carol Service at Boothstown Precinct on Sunday 14th December at 5.00 pm.