On behalf of the Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Cape Town, and the Catholic Church of Southern Africa, I wish to express our outrage and sadness at the defacement of the Simon’s Town Mosque. Such acts of intolerance, as well as hate speech which seems to be increasing in our country, further damage the fabric of our already polarized society. They contribute nothing to peace, stability or mutual understanding. This is a time in our country when we should be seeking and striving for the things that make for peace, unity and healing.
South Africa has a long history of religious tolerance. It is regrettable that a few irresponsible, intolerant people wish to destroy that. It is of utmost importance that they not be allowed to do so. I commend the leaders of the Muslim community in calling for calm and I trust that the Police Services will quickly bring the perpetrators to book.
Archbishop Stephen Brislin
(Catholic) Archbishop of Cape Town
President: Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference