Anglican Church Denounces Xenophobic Violence in South Africa

The Anglican Church, represented by Vicar General Dean Stephen Diseko, issued a statement condemning the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Diseko's message, which spread across social media, highlighted the threats to the safety of migrants living in the country.

He emphasized that the rising xenophobic sentiment undermines the values of ubuntu and the long-standing commitment to human dignity in South Africa. The statement noted that tensions have escalated due to anti-immigrant mobilizations, with foreign-owned shops being targeted.

Diseko pointed out that this latest wave of xenophobia follows patterns seen in previous years, including violent outbreaks in 2008, 2015, and 2019, which resulted in displacement and fatalities. He warned that misinformation and coordinated online campaigns are increasingly fueling unrest.

Diseko urged South Africans to reject violence, asserting that no one should be intimidated based on race, nationality, or immigration status, and called for law enforcement agencies to uphold regulations. The church appealed for South Africa to remain a safe place for all.