The President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has called on the Church in South Africa, Botswana and Eswatini to enter its next chapter with renewed missionary zeal, fidelity to the Gospel and courage in the face of injustice, as the bishops gather for their January 2026 Plenary Session, marking the start of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Catholic hierarchy in the region.

Opening the plenary under the theme ‘Synodality and Mission’, Cardinal Stephen Brislin described the January 20 to 27 assembly as “a particularly significant moment” of thanksgiving and discernment, as the Church reflects on its past while preparing for the future. He warmly welcomed the recent appointment of Archbishop-designate Sithembele Anton Sipuka to the Archdiocese of Cape Town, noting the “widespread appreciation” with which the news was received, while expressing sympathy with the Diocese of Mthatha on the loss of its shepherd.

“Congratulations, Archbishop Sipuka,” he said, “and please be assured of our prayers and support.”

Cardinal Brislin also paid tribute to Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi OMI, who died after a prolonged illness late last year. Remembering him as a committed participant in plenary sessions, with a deep love for the liturgy and Christian formation, he said Bishop Risi “gave his whole self in serving the Diocese of Keimoes-Upington.” He offered condolences to the Bishop’s family, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and all who mourn his passing, praying that he may rest in peace.

Turning to the realities facing young people, the SACBC President congratulated Catholic schools and matriculants on improved 2025 matric results, while acknowledging the sobering challenges that remain. He expressed solidarity with young people who struggle to access further education or employment, including graduates who remain unemployed, and encouraged those who did not pass matric “not to give up hope, but to continue to find ways to progress in their lives.”

The address also reflected deep concern over recent tragedies in the region. The Cardinal spoke of the shock and grief following a fatal road accident in the Vaal area, in which 14 children lost their lives, offering prayers and condolences to families, schools, and communities. He further noted the severe flooding in parts of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, describing the disasters as a reminder of the urgent need for “greater environmental responsibility” in the face of unpredictable climate change.

Rooting his reflection in the Gospel, the SACBC President recalled the words of John the Baptist: “Look, there is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” He said this passage captures the very heart of the Church’s mission: “to evangelise, to point to Jesus Christ, and to lead others into an encounter with him.”

Reflecting on the past 75 years, he acknowledged both the Church’s prophetic witness and its failures during the apartheid era. While recognising moments of silence and even complicity, he emphasised that the Catholic Church became known for standing for truth and justice, often at great cost, including attacks on Catholic schools and institutions. Despite these hardships, he said, “the evangelising initiatives of the Church continued through hospitals, clinics, schools and trained catechists.”

Looking ahead, the SACBC President stressed that silence in the face of injustice is not an option. “Simply to go along with systems or instances of injustice becomes complicity,” he warned. To proclaim Christ, he said, is to proclaim truth “in season and out of season,” even when it contradicts dominant cultural and political values.

Referring to the recent consistory convened by Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Brislin highlighted the renewed emphasis on evangelisation and synodality. He noted a call for deeper engagement with Evangelii Gaudium, ensuring that the Gospel is proclaimed within concrete social, political, and cultural realities. Synodality, he said, is “not a programme, but a way of being Church,” requiring authentic discernment rather than superficial consultation.

He also raised concerns about liturgical practice, warning that deviations from liturgical norms can weaken faith in the Eucharist. Quoting theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar, he cautioned against liturgy becoming “self-idolatry rather than adoration of God,” stressing that beautiful, prayerful, and faithful liturgy is itself a powerful form of evangelisation.

The SACBC President did not shy away from addressing global and local challenges. He spoke of growing international instability, the rise of authoritarianism, disregard for international law, and the suffering of the poor, describing these developments as deeply troubling. “Prayers for world peace are desperately needed,” he said, reminding the bishops that Christian hope is not optimism but is rooted firmly in Christ.

Closer to home, he lamented the growth of lawlessness and corruption in South Africa, warning that a culture of impunity fuels organised crime and social breakdown. While corruption must be condemned, he said, the Church must also promote a “law-abiding society and a culture of lawfulness,” which are essential for justice, development, and social cohesion.

Concluding his address, Cardinal Brislin expressed gratitude for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to Pope Leo XIV last year and voiced hope that the plenary would formally invite the Holy Father to visit Southern Africa. He also expressed the hope that diplomatic relations with the Holy See would be strengthened through the re-establishment of a resident South African ambassador.

As the bishops continue their January 2026 plenary session, the SACBC President urged them to remain focused on the Church’s mission to be “the place and occasion of encounter with Christ,” praying that they may always recognise the Spirit at work and never lose heart, even amid daunting challenges.