South Africa: Jesuit parish calls stop to sexual assaults

Father Russell Pollitt SJ

The Jesuit Pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Johannesburg has called on its parishioners "to make a stand against abuse, brutality and rape" in South Africa, following allegations in a Sunday newspaper that a lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) had sexually assaulted students. Holy Trinity is the Catholic Chaplaincy Church for students and staff at WITS.

Father Russell Pollitt SJ spoke about incidents of sexual violence and abuse at Sunday Masses last weekend, following the newspaper report and says he has subsequently had many emails, calls and visits from people who have been abused, assaulted or raped at home, work and university. "Some people have also come to see me to voice their concern at the current state of affairs," he says. "A number of parishioners have written to me, as I requested in the parish bulletin, making suggestions about what we could do about this scourge."

Fr Pollitt has written an open letter in which he thanks the victims of these crimes who have come forward and placed their trust in him as the Pastor of Holy Trinity. "I cannot begin to imagine the hurt, pain and damage that you have suffered," he writes, adding that although he is not competent himself in these areas, he can offer a listening ear and refer victims to people who will be able to help. "I can offer you a place to talk, to feel safe and the support of the Church through prayer and the Healing Sacraments," Fr Pollitt's letter says.

Ten former students at WITS, a multi-campus public research university situated in the northern areas of central Johannesburg, have alleged that a senior lecturer of dramatic arts sexually assaulted and violated them during rehearsals, auditions and off campus. The university is appealing to staff and students to formally report all incidences of sexual harassment as part of an investigation. Holy Trinity parish, in partnership with a local school, will this weekend be launching an initiative entitled Kwanele Kwanele (Enough is Enough!) to register their stand against sexual abuse, brutality and rape. "We will ask parishioners to commit themselves to a pledge after all masses, when Kwanele Kwanele t-shirts will be on sale," says Fr Pollitt. "We will be encouraging people to get a t-shirt and wear it on Fridays. Change begins with US and NOT government or other authorities."

On Saturday, 16 March, there will be a meeting for all parishioners at Holy Trinity to talk about how they can best respond as a community to these issues.

 Source: Jesuit Communications