Durban church feels heat of recent anti-illegal immigrants protests
The church advises members to stay conscious of uncertain safety and only make their way to church when it is safe to do so.
THE historic heritage parish, St Peter’s Catholic Church in Point, is feeling the brunt of recent anti-illegal immigrant protests.
Parish priest, Father Richard Aluwizio Njanje, is concerned about the current state, highlighting how the violence has had a direct impact on a church that has about 90% of foreign nationals as members.
“Lately we have observed that the attendance is decreasing; this is due to safety concerns. Some church members have relocated from the Point area, or returned to their homes of origin. The worst part is that the scenario caught us off guard, without a tangible plan for dealing with the offshoot of existing attacks,” Njanje said.
Also read: Durban foreign nationals remain in limbo
The dwindling attendance speaks to lesser contributions and offerings which help keep the church afloat. “Also, this means that more people are dependent on our free meals projects, transport money, and medications as a result of sudden unemployment and business closures they face,” said Njanje.
On the matter of illegal immigrants he added, “The church’s stand is clear. No one should be in the country illegally. We encourage foreign nationals to pursue proper channels to get documented. Also, to the locals, we ask that they treat the foreigners with human dignity and respect, while finding amicable ways to deal with the documentation challenges,” said Njanje.
Also read: Hundreds march against illegal foreigners in Durban
As the church looks forward to its annual Christmas lunches, the idea is to always provide decent meals to the homeless and those in need. It also hopes that as the festive season approaches, as it has seen over the years, holidaymakers from across the world will make a stop at St Peter’s Church.
Father Richard advised church members to stay conscious of uncertain safety, and only make their way to church when it is safe to do so.
The church appeals for donations during this crisis in order to sustain their outreach projects and for church maintenance.
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