Religion & Law

Thanks to Michael Perry who has brought our attention to The New York Times article posted this afternoon regarding President Obama?s stirring speech given to the Ghanian Parliament. As Michael?s reference to the speech itself and to The New York Times article about it point out, the President noted that responsibility for the plight of Africa and its salvation does not rest with particular forces solely outside of Africa or inside.

Earlier today our President stated that,

Now, it's easy to point fingers and to pin the blame of these problems on others. Yes, a colonial map that made little sense helped to breed conflict. The West has often approached Africa as a patron or a source of resources rather than a partner. But the West is not responsible for the destruction of the Zimbabwean economy over the last decade, or wars in which children are enlisted as combatants. In my father's life, it was partly tribalism and patronage and nepotism in an independent Kenya that for a long stretch derailed his career, and we know that this kind of corruption is still a daily fact of life for far too many.

It may well be that the President has been listening to and taking stock of what the Pope, the Holy See, and those who represent it have been proposing for some time. For example, in 2007, the Holy See, through its Permanent Observer to the United Nations, offered parallel thoughts to those issued by the President today. In particular, Archbishop Celestino Migliore stated behalf of the Holy See and Pope Benedict that,

The international community is called to assist African countries develop policies that promote a culture of solidarity, so that their economic development may go hand in hand with integral human development. On the other hand, good governance and institution-building efforts, correct use of aid and anti-corruption measures are primary responsibilities of the recipient countries and are essential if international aid is to bear fruit.

I am certain we all share Michael?s pride in and endorsement of the President?s stirring remarks presented today in Ghana. But let us also acknowledge that some of his efforts to achieve good in the world, especially in those places most in need of it, have been preceded by those of others including the Roman Catholic Church and her exhortations over the years that have brought attention to the plight and promise of Africa. As we applaud the President, so, too, must we applaud those who have gone before in efforts to achieve the same noble goals for the betterment of humanity.

RJA sj