Volume 1 (1952 – 1966)
I. Statement on Race Relations
Issued by the Archbisops and Bisops of the Catholic Church in the Union of South Africa and the Protectorates, June, 1952 – Download PDF
II. Pastoral Letter
The Future of Our Mission Schools
To be read in all Churches on Sunday, 12th December, 1954 – Download PDF
III. Statement on Apartheid
Issued by the Plenary, Session of the Conference, held in Pretoria, July 2nd-6th, 1957 – Download PDF
IV. Pastoral Letter
The Archbishops and Bishops of the Union of South Africa, South West Africa and the Protectrates address the following pastoral letter to all the catholics in the twenty-eight Dioceses, Vicariates and the Prefectures of the Country – Download PDF
V. Pastoral Letter
The Archbishops and Bishops of the Republic of South Africa, South West Africa and the Protectorates Address the Following Pastoral Letter to all the Catholics in the Twenty-nine Vicariates and Prefectures of this Country – Download PDF
VI. Press Statement
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference at the conclusion of its meetings in Pretoria on February 25-27, 1964, issued the following statement: – Download PDF
VII. Bantu Law Amendment Bill
Statement issued to the press – Download PDF
VIII. Pastoral Letter
Of the plenary session of the ordinaries of the South African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, July 1966 – Download PDF
Volume 2 (1967 – 1980)
A. General
I. Marriages between Catholics and non-Catholics
1 September 1970 – Download PDF
II. Statement on the restriction of civil liberties
20 July 1971 – Download PDF
III. A call to the conscience by the Bishops
8 February 1972 – Download PDF
IV. Statement on abortion
1 March 1972 – Download PDF
V. Statement on Catholic schools
9 Februrary 1973 – Download PDF
VI. Statement in favour of the normal judicial process
23 October 1973 – Download PDF
VII. Pastoral directive on Family Planning
4 February 1974 – Download PDF
VIII. Statement on defence (further amendment) bill
6 September 1974 – Download PDF
IX. Statement on abortion
10 November 1974 – Download PDF
X. Statement on detentions and bannings
8 February 1975 – Download PDF
XI. Statement on Expropriation of the Federal Theological Seminary
9 February 1975 – Download PDF
XII. Pastoral letter: Reconciliation (holy year)
9 February 1975 – Download PDF
XIII. Joint pastoral letter of Catholic and Anglican Bishops
29 June 1975 – Download PDF
XIV. Pastoral note on migratory labour situations
February 1976 – Download PDF
XV. Statement on 1976 Unrest
21 June 1976 – Download PDF
XVI. Statement on the current situation and Citizen rights of blacks
February 1977 – Download PDF
XVII. Declaration of commitment on social justice and race relations within the church
February 1977 – Download PDF
XVIII. Statement on conscientious objetion
February 1977 – Download PDF
XIX. statement on OPEN SCHOOLS
29 March 1977 – Download PDF
XX. Statement on the national crisis in South Africa
8 November 1977 – Download PDF
XXI. Statement on “mixed” worship
20 March 1978 – Download PDF
XXII. Letter to the prime minister on arrests and detentions
30 June 1978 – Download PDF
XXIII. Statement on South African Defence League
February 1979 – Download PDF
XXIV. Statement on students’ boycott
2 May 1980 – Download PDF
XXV. Statement on police amendment bill
19 May 1980 – Download PDF
B. Statements on Individuals
I. Fr. P. Sanders, OP
9 February 1973 – Download PDF
II. Bishop D. Lamont, O.Carm
4 October 1976 – Download PDF
III. Bishop D. Lamont, O.Carm
24 February 1977 – Download PDF
IV. Frs. S. P. Mkhatshwa, C. Mokoka
26 August 1976 – Download PDF
V. Fr. S. P. Mkhatshwa and Fr. A. D. Scholten, OP
5 June 1977 – Download PDF
VI. Fr. S. P. Mkhatshwa
19 October 1977 – Download PDF
VII. Fr. S. P. Mkhatshwa
5 December 1979 – Download PDF
VIII. Fr. A. D. Scholten, OP
21 April 1977 – Download PDF
IX. Frs. A. D. Scholten, OP and S. P. Mkhatshwa
16 June 1977 – Download PDF
X. Mr. M. L. Ntlokoa
6 September 1977 – Download PDF
XI. Mr. P. S. Magane
12 May 1978 – Download PDF
XII. Mr. M. Rodgers and 3 Others
1 June 1979 – Download PDF
XIII. Mr. M. Rodgers, Mr. Gaobepe and Miss J. Mokhesi
9 June 1978 – Download PDF
XIV. Fr. H. Hunke, OMI
18 July 1978 – Download PDF
XV. Mr. T. Makae and J. Tlelima
20 November 1979 – Download PDF
XVI. Fr. K. Pauly, SAC
3 December 1979 – Download PDF
XVII. Bishop A. M. Zwane
8 February 1980 – Download PDF
XVIII. Frs. M. Mkhize, R. Makobane and P. Mvemve
8 February 1980 – Download PDF
XIX. Rev. John Thorne
27 May 1980 – Download PDF
C. Appendix
A. Archdiocese of Cape Town
1. Statement on qualified franchise (13 February 1971) – Download PDF
2. Statement on conscientious objection and violence (6 August 1974) – Download PDF
3. Statement on conscientious objection (14 August 1974) – Download PDF
4. Statement on Archbishop Hurley and a border war (11 September 1974) – Download PDF
5. Address to University of Capetown students on the Soweto riots and detention without trial (4 August 1976) – Download PDF
6. Open letter to the SA Government on migratory labour, family life and a just society (23 August 1976) – Download PDF
7. Pastoral Letter on the need for justice in society (7 September 1976) – Download PDF
8. Statement on Squatters (15 February 1977) – Download PDF
9. Letter to clergy on Squatters (7 September 1977) – Download PDF
10. Statement on the schools boycott (24 April 1980) – Download PDF
11. Statement on the Meat Workers’ Strike (30 May 1980) – Download PDF
12. Statement on the Cape Town riots (19 June 1980) – Download PDF
B. Pastoral Letter on detention and banning (Johannesburg)
19 October 1977 – Download PDF
Statement on prolification of laws
2 October 1980 – Download PDF
C. Statement on Fr. H. Hunke, OMI (Windhoek)
15 July 1978 – Download PDF
D. A Bishop speaks his mind (Port Elizabeth)
25 September 1976 – Download PDF
E. Diocese of Oudtshoorn:
Pastoral Letter on Abortion (14 May 1973) – Download PDF
Declaration of the priests ( 5 September 1973) – Download PDF
Pastoral Letter about Marxism (16 January 1980) – Download PDF
F. Diocese of Manzini:
Pastoral Letter on Social Justice (July 1980) – Download PDF
G. Diocese of Bethlehem:
Pastoral letter on What Can Be Done Now (30 May 1980) – Download PDF
H. The Church and Reconciliation
14 February 1974 – Download PDF
I. The Church and Politics
Record of court proceedings against Fr. A. D. Scholten, OP, Secretary-General SACBC (14 July 1977) – Download PDF
J. SECAM statements on Justice and Peace and the Family
24 July 1978 – Download PDF
K. List of banned persons in South Africa
Volume 3 (1981 – 1985)
The Bishops Speak Volume III
1981
I. SACBC Statement on the Republic Day Celebrations
1 May 1981 – Download PDF
II. Pastoral Letter of the Archdiocese of Durban
Republic Day Festival (May 1981) – Download PDF
III. Pastoral letter of the Archdiocese of Capetown
Republic Festival (May 1981) – Download PDF
IV. SACBC Statement on Rugby Tours
1 May 1981 – Download PDF
V. SACBC Statement on Bishop Tutu
1 May 1981 – Download PDF
• Statement of the Archbishop of Capetown regarding squatters (May 1981) – Download PDF
• Statement om the Archdiocese of Capetown on Langa Evictions (July 1981) – Download PDF
VI. SACBC Statement on the Namibian Church
27 August 1981 – Download PDF
• SACBC Secretariat Statement regarding Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (August 1981) – Download PDF
VII. SACBC Statement on Nyanga Squatters
28 August 1981 – Download PDF
VIII. SACBC Statement on the Provision of Education in the RSA
29 October 1982 – Download PDF
IX. SACBC Statement on Rights for Migrant Workers
29 October 1981 – Download PDF
1982
I. SACBC Statement on the South African (and so called) Catholic Defence League
25 May 1982 – Download PDF
II. SACBC Statement on Unscriptural Racial Policies
8 June 1982 – Download PDF
III. SACBC Statement on the Orderly Movement and Settlement of Black Persons’ Bill
29 August 1982 – Download PDF
• SACBC Notes Lutheran Report on Namibia Atrocities – Download PDF
• Proposed transfer of Ingwavuma and KaNgwane to Swaziland (August 1982) – Download PDF
IV. SACBC Statement on Homelands
4 September 1982 – Download PDF
V. SACBC Statements on Namibia and Prayer Day for Peace
14 November 1982 – Download PDF
VI. Pastoral Letter of the Archdiocese of Capetown on South-West / Namibia
November 1982 – Download PDF
1983
I. SACBC Statement on Banning of Namibia Report
1 February 1983 – Download PDF
• Bishops and Swapo – Download PDF
II. Pastoral Letter of the Diocese of Bethlehem on Family Life
March 1983 – Download PDF
III. SACBC Death Sentence Clemency Plea
March 1983 – Download PDF
IV. SACBC Statement on Violence and the Church Street Tragedy
25 May 1983 – Download PDF
• Cardinal calls for prayers for bomb victims – Download PDF
• Abolition of death sentence for political offenders – Download PDF
• Mozambique raid – Download PDF
• UDF Congruence – Download PDF
• Miss Catherine Hunter – Download PDF
V. SACBC Statement on Proposed Constitutional Reform
20 July 1983 – Download PDF
VI. Pastoral Letter of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference on the proposed new constitution for South Africa
VII. Church and Crisis Ministry Meeting of Priests
VIII. SACBC Statements on Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa
31 October 1983, 8 November 1983, 13 December 1983, 29 December 1983 – Download PDF
• Cape Bishops Protect Ciskei Detention (24 November 1983) – Download PDF
IX. Pastoral Letter of the Archdiocese of Cape Town on Father Mkhatshwa
November 1983 – Download PDF
1984
I. SACBC Statement on SACC-Elof Commission
17 February 1984 – Download PDF
• Ciskei court acquits Father Mkhatshwa – Download PDF
II. SACBC Statement on Father Mkhatshwa’s Acquittal and Destruction of Rule of Law
9 March 1984 – Download PDF
III. SACBC Statement on Murderous Durban Blast
4 April 1984 – Download PDF
IV. SACBC Statement on Namibia Agony
12 June 1984 – Download PDF
V. SACBC Statement on Papal Audiences
12 June 1984 – Download PDF
VI. Pastoral Letter of the Archdiocese of Capetown
(August 1984) Prayers for Displaced People – Download PDF
VII. SACBC Statement on Mozambique Refugees
September 1984 – Download PDF
VIII. SACBC Statement on Social Unrest and Violence
8 September 1984 – Download PDF
IX. SACBC Statement on Sebokeng Siege
15 October 1984 – Download PDF
X. SACBC Statement on Nobel Prize for Bishop Tutu
October 1984 – Download PDF
XI. SACBC Statement on Support for Archbishop Denis Hurley
17 October 1984 – Download PDF
• SACBC Secretariat Announcements – Download PDF
1985
I. SACBC Statement of Concern for Treason Detainees
1985 – Download PDF
II. SACBC Statement on Zululand University Expulsions
1985 – Download PDF
III. SACBC Statement Uitenhage Shootings
22 March 1985 – Download PDF
IV. SACBC Statement on the Day of Mourning and Prayer
May 1985 – Download PDF
V. SACBC Statement on an End to Conscription
9 May 1985 – Download PDF
VI. SACBC Statement on SADF Botswana Raid
15 June 1985 – Download PDF
• Soweto Day 1985 Appeal by Cardinal – Download PDF
VII. SACBC Statement on and End to State of Emergency Endorsed by Laity
8 August 1985 – Download PDF
VIII. SACBC Statement on Miners’ Demands
20 August 1985 – Download PDF
IX. SACBC Statement on Children Under Repression
August 1985 – Download PDF
• SACBC Secretariat Welcomes New Dispensation for Education (October 1985) – Download PDF
X. Pastoral Letter for the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference on International Youth Year
1985 – Download PDF
XI. SACBC Initial Response to the Kairos Document
November 1985 – Download PDF
XII. SACBC Statement on Treason Trialists’ Acquittal
9 December 1985 – Download PDF
Volume 4 (1986 – 1987)
The Bishops’ Speak Volume IV – Download PDF
1986
I. SACBC Statement on Subsidization of Private Schools
1 April 1986 – Download PDF
II. Pastoral Letter of the Diocese of Bethlehem on Black and White Worship
Ash Wednesday 1986 – Download PDF
III. Pastoral Letter of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference on Christian Hope in the Current Crisis
May 1986 – Download PDF
IV. Pastoral Letter on the Southern African Bishops’ Conference on Economic Pressure for Justice
May 1986 – Download PDF
V. Pastoral Reflection of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference
(May 1986) on certain issues raised by the Kairos Document – Download PDF
VI. SACBC Statement on Abduction
13 May 1986 – Download PDF
VII. SACBC’s Urgent Message to the State President
August 1986 – Download PDF
• SACBC’s attempts to secure release of tortured secretary general, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa – Download PDF
VIII. SACBC Statement on American Sanctions
3 October 1986 – Download PDF
• Catholics in Politics – Download PDF
• Catholic Laity Response to Crisis – Download PDF
• Tom Waspe Detainee – Download PDF
IX. SACBC Statement on meeting with the State President
17 November 1986 – Download PDF
X. SACBC President’s Letter on Detainees
24 November 1986 – Download PDF
XI. SACBC Open Letter to Institutions of the European Community
24 November 1986 – Download PDF
XII. SACBC Statement to the Brazillian Bishops’ Conference
25 November 1986 – Download PDF
XIII. SACBC Statement on the Latest wave of detentions
3 December 1986 – Download PDF
XIV. SACBC Statements on further press curbs
10 December 1986 – Download PDF
1987
I. SACBC Statement on Father Casimir Paulsen, CMM, and Miss Nomonde Mathiso
28 January 1987 – Download PDF
II. SACBC Statement on Unjust Elections
March 1987 – Download PDF
• Representative Lay Catholics Back Bishops – Download PDF
III. SACBC Statement on Conscientious Objection
23 March 1987 – Download PDF
IV. Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference:
An open letter to all Detainees ( First Sunday of Lent, 1987 ) – Download PDF
V. SACBC Statement on Detainees’ Release Regulations
14 April 1987 – Download PDF
VI. Joint SACBC and SACC statement on White Elections, Black Aspirations
VII. SACBC Condemns Johannesburg Car Bomb Blast
21 May 1987 – Download PDF
VIII. SACBC Statement on the Wide Divide between South Africans
16 June 1987 – Download PDF
IX. SACBC Statement on the release of Father Mkhatshwa and others who have been detained
16 June 1987 – Download PDF
X. Pastoral Letter on the Ministers United for Christian Co-responsibility on Township Rent Boycott and Related Matters
July 1987 – Download PDF
• The Ashley Kriel Funeral – Download PDF
• Cape Church leader’s statement on church ministry in times of grief and oppression
(21 July 1987) – Download PDF
XI. SACBC Message to COSATU
15 July 1987 – Download PDF
XII. SACBC Statement on Attacks on The New Nation
20 July 1987 – Download PDF
• A memorandum from the Diocese of Aliwal North – A chance to exercise God-given talents (August 1987) – Download PDF
XIII. SACBC Statement on Europe’s protest against detentions
28 July 1987 – Download PDF
• SACBC Administrative Board protests against police crackdown in Namibia (19 August 1987) – Download PDF
• SACBC Administrative Board statement on 32 persons awaiting execution (24 August 1987) – Download PDF
XIV. SACBC Statement on Alternative Media Curbs
28 August 1987 – Download PDF
• SACBC Administrative Board secretary general’s torturers to be prosecuted (28 August 1987) – Download PDF
• SACBC Administrative Board secretary general refused passport and Ciskei pays R14 000 to Father Mkhatshwa (2 September 1987) – Download PDF
XV. SACBC Statement on Group Areas Act
18 September 1987 – Download PDF
• Sister Bernard Ncube in court – Download PDF
XVI. SACBC Statement on Conscientious Objectors
11 November 1987 – Download PDF
XVII. SACBC Secretary General fined and talks to the press
XVIII. Pope John Paul’s Message to Southern African
November 1987 – Download PDF
XIX. SACBC plea: Commute death sentences
2 December 1987 – Download PDF
XX. SACBC Statement on Peace and Negotiations
21 December 1987 – Download PDF
Volume 5 (1988 – 1990)
The Bishops Speak: Volume V – Download PDF
1988
• Bishops renew Social Justice and Schools’ Commitment – Download PDF
• Sister B Ncube – Download PDF
• Gospel and government economics – Download PDF
• Mr Eric Molobi – Download PDF
• Mozambique refugee Mass – Download PDF
I. SACBC Statement on the Diaz Centenary
29 January 1988 – Download PDF
II. Pastoral Letter of the Archdiocese of Cape Town on the Lay Apostolate
February 1988 – Download PDF
• New apostolic delegate – Download PDF
• Brother Jude Pieterse, bishops’ secretary general – Download PDF
• Forged Namibian document – Download PDF
III. SACBC Statement on Silencing of 18 Organizations
25 February 1988 – Download PDF
IV. Pastoral Letter of the Diocese of Aliwal North on Leaders and Community Serving Humanity
Lent 1988 – Download PDF
• Press Statement on violence in the Pietermaritzburg and Vulindlela Areas (10 March 1988) – Download PDF
V. Pastoral letter of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference on State Actions
March 1988 – Download PDF
VI. SACBC Statement on Sharpeville Six
16 March 1988 – Download PDF
VII. SACBC Statement on Harassment of Bishop of Oudtshoorn
15 March 1988 – Download PDF
• Laity Support Church Leaders – Download PDF
VIII. Pastoral Letter of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference on the Blessed Virgin Mary
IX. SACBC Statement on AIDS
5 May 1988 – Download PDF
• Emotional vindictive “news” letter – Download PDF
• Nelson Mandela birthday festivities ban – Download PDF
X. Pastoral Letter of the Archdiocese of Cape Town on Our Blessed Lady
August 1988 – Download PDF
XI. SACBC Statement on Signs of the Times
15 August 1988 – Download PDF
XII. SACBC Statement on Bills Dealing with squatters, Slums and Group Areas
16 August 1988 – Download PDF
• Restrictions on End Conscription Campaign – Download PDF
• Pope John Paul II’s visit to Southern Africa – Download PDF
XIII. SACBC Statement on Khotso House Bomb Blast
31 August 1988 – Download PDF
• Commission for the Laity – Download PDF
• Foreign Minister thanked – Download PDF
• Austrians refused visas – Download PDF
XIV. SACBC Statement on Explosions at Khanya House
XV. Pastoral Letter of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference on the Municipal Elections
October 1988 – Download PDF
• (So-called) Catholic Defence League disinformation – Download PDF
• Weekly Mail banning – Download PDF
XVI. SACBC Statement on Delmas Verdicts
22 November 1988 – Download PDF
XVII. Pastoral Letter of the Archdiocese of Cape Town on Hope
Advent 1988 – Download PDF
1989
I. SACBC Statement on Disclosure of Foreign Funding Bill
2 February 1989 – Download PDF
II. SACBC Statement on Namibian Peace Accord
2 February 1989 – Download PDF
III. SACBC Statement on Papal Visit
2 February 1989 – Download PDF
IV. SACBC Statements on Detainees
2 February 1989, 15 February 1989, 16 February 1989, 29 February 1989 – Download PDF
V. SACBC Support for Mothers Against Conscription
8 February 1989 – Download PDF
• The Church and Racism: Towards a more fraternal society – Download PDF
VI. Pastoral Letter of the Archdiocese of Cape Town on being a free person
February 1989 – Download PDF
• Assassination of Mr David Webster – Download PDF
• Mr Anton Lubowski – Download PDF
• Death of Archbishop Stephen Naidoo, CSsR – Download PDF
• Education and Training Bill clause opposed – Download PDF
• SACBC Administrative Board calls for the release of all political detainees (8 March 1989) – Download PDF
VII. SACBC Statement on the Sharpeville Day
17 March 1989 – Download PDF
VIII. SACBC Statement on Gospel-based Liberation Theology
March 1989 – Download PDF
• SACBC Administrative Board statement on Namibia (12 May 1989) – Download PDF
IX. Pastoral Letter of the Archdiocese of Durban to launch the Pastoral Plan
Pentecost 1989 – Download PDF
X. SACBC Statement on Education Crisis
22 May 1989 – Download PDF
XI. SACBC Statement on Reprieve from Execution
24 May 1989 – Download PDF
XII. SACBC Statement on Black Sash Ban
24 July 1989 – Download PDF
XIII. Pastoral Letter to the People of the Catholic Archdiocese of Durban: Renew to be a Community Serving Humanity
July 1989 – Download PDF
XIV. Pastoral Letter of Natal Church Leaders on the Natal Peace Talks
August 1989 – Download PDF
XV. Pastoral Letter of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference on Elections
September 1989 – Download PDF
• Catholic Lay Leader’s Statement on Tricameral Elections – Download PDF
XVI. SACBC Statement on Electric Border Fence between South Africa and Mozambique
18 September 1989 – Download PDF
XVII. SACBC Statement on 771 Conscientious Objectors
26 September 1989 – Download PDF
• Administrative Board of the SACBC statement on the release of politcal prisoners (11 October 1989) – Download PDF
• Administrative Board of the SACBC statement on negotiations (27 October 1989) – Download PDF
XVIII. Pastoral letter of Natal Church Leaders on Violence and the Peace Talks
November 1989 – Download PDF
XIX. SACBC Statement of The New Nation
7 November 1989 – Download PDF
XX. SACBC Statement on the SATS/SARHWU Dispute
14 December 1989 – Download PDF
XXI. SACBC Statement on the Release of Delmas Trialists
15 December 1989 – Download PDF
1990
• SACBC Work Commission on Louis Trichardt actiob against Father Terence Mooney (15 January 1990) – Download PDF
I. SACBC Statement on Economic Pressure and Negotiations
January 1990 – Download PDF
II. Capital Punishment
January 1990 – Download PDF
III. Pastoral Statement of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference on AIDS
January 1990 – Download PDF
IV. SACBC Statement on Mr. F. W. de Klerk’s Initiatives
3 February 1990 – Download PDF
V. SACBC Statement on the release of Mr. Nelson Mandela
12 February 1990 – Download PDF
VI. Pastoral Letter of the Diocese of Bethlehem on the Meaning of Church Membership
February 1990 – Download PDF
VII. Southern African Bishops’ Conference: Excerpts from the Discussion Booklet on Negotiations
February 1990 – Download PDF
VIII. Negotiations: The Role of the Church
IX. Pastoral Letter of the Diocese of Witbank
Let us halt the terrible killings (March 1990) – Download PDF
X. SACBC Statement on Bophuthatswana Disaster
15 March 1990 – Download PDF
XI. SACBC Statement on Namibian Independance
19 March 1990 – Download PDF
XII. SACC-SACBC Joint Pastoral Letter for those Returning Home
April 1990 – Download PDF
XIII. Pastoral Letter of the Diocese of Mariannhill on Prayer and Penance for those who suffer
June 1990 – Download PDF
XIV. SACBC Statement on Current South African Events
11 May 1990 – Download PDF
XV. Diocese of Kroonstad Press Statement on the Welkom race crisis
25 May 1990 – Download PDF
XVI. SACBC Statement on the Bombings at St Joseph’s Parish, Phokeng
27 June 1990 – Download PDF
XVII. SACBC Dismay at Changed Pupil Admission Regulations
6 July 1990 – Download PDF
XVIII. SACBC Statement on Seminary “Shut-down”
30 July 1990 – Download PDF
XIX. SACBC Statement on the Liberalisation of Abortion Legislation
10 August 1990 – Download PDF
XX. SACBC Statement on the Political Climate
13 August 1990 – Download PDF
XXI. SACBC Administrative Board statement on move to liberalize the Abortion and Sterilisation Act
13 August 1990 – Download PDF
XXII. SACBC Condemns on-going Violence
17 August 1990 – Download PDF
• Repatriation of exiles – Download PDF
• Association of Democratic Journalists – Download PDF
• Support for traditional leaders – Download PDF
XXIII. Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference Commission for Social Communications – Download PDF
Theological Reflection Communicating for Community – Download PDF
Pastoral Plan needs well-informed people – Download PDF
Prophetic Role for Communication – Download PDF
XXIV. Lay Catholics opt for constituent assembly
XXV. Southern African Bishops aim for Africanisation of Christianity
October 1990 – Download PDF
Volume 6 (1991 – 1994)
The Bishops Speak: Volume XI – Download PDF
1991
• SACBC Social Communication Office statement regarding the Bishop’s Plenary Session (17 January 1991) – Download PDF
• SACBC Administrative Board Statement on the New Nation (30 January 1991) – Download PDF
• SACBC Administrative Board statement on the Rustenburg Declaration (30 January 1991) – Download PDF
I. SACBC Statement on F.W. De Klerk address to Parliament
5 February 1991 – Download PDF
• SACBC Secretariat statement announces the release of the Pastoral Letter on the occasion of the centenary of the first Papal Encyclical on Social Justice Rerum Novarum, and its implications for negotiations in South Africa (13 February 1991) – Download PDF
II. Pastoral Letter of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference on the occasion of the centenary of the first Papal Encyclical on Social Justice Rerum Novarum, and its implications for negotiations in South Africa
13 February 1991 – Download PDF
III. Pastoral Letter of the Diocese of Aliwal North for the season of Lent on the Cristian way of handling conflicts
13 February 1991 – Download PDF
• SACBC delegates meet with the minister of health in Cape Town (27 February 1991) – Download PDF
IV. SACBC Statement regarding the lifting of the moratorium on executions in South Africa
4 March 1991 – Download PDF
• SACBC Secretariat statement on National Detainees’ Day (5 March 1991) – Download PDF
• SACBC President’s Statement on the Gulf War (5 March 1991) – Download PDF
• SACBC Social Communications Office statement on the Workers’ Charter. 100 years of new ideas (12 March 1991) – Download PDF
• SACBC Secretariat statement on police search of church premises (25 March 1991) – Download PDF
• SACBC Social Communications Office statement on Archbishop Denis Hurley’s recognition by Wits (8 April 1991) – Download PDF
V. Pastoral Letter of the Diocese of Bethlehem celebrating its 40th Anniversary
28 April 1991 – Download PDF
VI. SACBC calls for the release of remaining political prisoners
8 May 1991 – Download PDF
• SACBC Administrative Board statement: A plea for an end to violence (20 May 1991) – Download PDF
VII. SACBC Statement on the release on political prisoners
11 June 1991 – Download PDF
• SACBC Social Communications Office statement on the visit of Cardinal Roger Etchergaray to South Africa (17 June 1991) – Download PDF
• Comment on the repeal of the Population Registration Act by Archbishop Denis Hurley (18 June 1991) – Download PDF
VIII. SACBC Statement on the closure of colleges of education
24 June 1991 – Download PDF
• Statement of Cardinal Roger Etchegaray on his departure from RSA (25 June 1991) – Download PDF
• Church Leaders visit to Bophushatswana hunger strikes (12 July 1991) – Download PDF
IX. SACBC statement on the end of South Africa’s isolation from international sports
12 July 1991 – Download PDF
X. SACBC Statement on the school bombing
15 July 1991 – Download PDF
XI. SACBC Statement on allegations involving SADF personnel in atrocities
22 July 1991 – Download PDF
• SACC statement on allegations of the government’s financial support of a political grouping (24 July 1991) – Download PDF
XII. SACBC Statement on rebuilding trust in South Africa
31 July 1991 – Download PDF
XIII. SACBC Statement on the Current South African situation
19 August 1991 – Download PDF
XIV. SACBC Statement o the release on hunger strikes
2 September 1991 – Download PDF
XV. Pastoral Letter of the Diocese of Bethlehem on Faith and Politics
2 September 1991 – Download PDF
XVI. SACBC Statement on the violence in Thokoza
9 September 1991 – Download PDF
XVII. SACBC statement on the train massacre
24 October 1991 – Download PDF
XVIII. SACBC statement on the bombing of St Joseph’s Catholic Church at Phokeng
22 November 1991 – Download PDF
XIX. SACBC appeal for prayers for the Bishop of Johannesburg
31 December 1991 – Download PDF
1992
I. Pastoral Letter of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference:
A call to build a new South Africa (January 1992) – Download PDF
II. SACBC Statement on the attacks at police and public instututions
6 January 1992 – Download PDF
• Catholic Institute of Education’s Statement on Catholic schools attaining top matric results (13 Januray 1992) – Download PDF
• SACBC Social Communications Office Statement on the Bishops’ Plenary Session (14 January 1992) – Download PDF
• Statement of Archbishop Denis Hurley on Natal violence (10 February 1992) – Download PDF
III. SACBC Statement on the March 17 referendum
25 February 1992 – Download PDF
IV. SACBC Statement on the results of the March 17 Referendum
19 March 1992 – Download PDF
• SACBC Administrative Board Statement on the violence (8 May 1992) – Download PDF
• SACBC Secretariat statement on the Defence Amendment Bill (4 June 1992) – Download PDF
V. SACBC Statement on the massacre at Biopatong
19 June 1992 – Download PDF
VI. SACBC Statement on the Bisho Killings
8 September 1992 – Download PDF
• Statement on the Bisho massacre by Archbishop Ambrose de Paoli (16 September 1992) – Download PDF
VII. SACBC Statement on the general amnesty
19 October 1992 – Download PDF
• SACBC Administrative Board calls for peace and tolerance (6 November 1992) – Download PDF
VIII. SACBC condemns the Queenstown bombing
8 December 1992 – Download PDF
1993
• SACBC Secretariat statement on the Bishops’ Plenary Session (19 January 1993) – Download PDF
• Statement on the proposed meeting between the ANC, the government and Inkatha on Natal Violence by Archbishop Wilfred Napier (12 March 1993) – Download PDF
I. SACBC Statement on the death of Chris Hani
10 April 1993 – Download PDF
• SACBC Secretariat announces the launch of the Bishops’ Pastoral Letter: Towards a democratic future (14 April 1993) – Download PDF
II. Pastoral Letter of the Southern African Bishops’ Conference:
Towards a democratic future (14 April 1993) – Download PDF
III. Pastoral Letter of the Diocese of Bethlehem on Mass intentions and Stipends
Holy Thursday, 1993 – Download PDF
IV. Pastoral Letter of the Diocese of Bethlehem to the Priests on Mass Intentions and Stipends
Holy Thursday, 1993 – Download PDF
V. SACBC expresses outrage at the attack on St James Church in Kenilworth
26 July 1993 – Download PDF
VI. SACBC Statement on violence
11 August 1993 – Download PDF
• SACBC Secretariat Report on the outcome of the Plenary Sessions (12 August 1993) – Download PDF
• SACBC President’s statement on the Transitional Executive Council (7 October 1993) – Download PDF
VII. SACBC deplores continuous violence
12 October 1993 – Download PDF
• SACBC Secretariat announces the opening of St Peter’s Seminary, Garsfontein, Pretoria (o3 November 1993) – Download PDF
• SACBC Administrative Board Statement on the violence at Dukuduku, Mtubatuba (4 November 1993) – Download PDF
VIII. Pastoral Letter of the Southern African Bishops’ Conference:
Preparing for elections (5 November 1993) – Download PDF
IX. SACBC Statement on the agreement reached on the Interim Constitution for South Africa
18 November 1993 – Download PDF
1994
I. Pastoral Letter of the Diocese of Bethlehem: Sing a joyful song to the Lord
1 January 1994 – Download PDF
II. SACBC statement on Priests and religious in politics
25 January 1994 – Download PDF
III. Pastoral Letter of the Diocese of Bethlehem on catechesis
30 January 1994 – Download PDF
IV. SACBC calls on all parties to participate in South African electi0ns – but priests barred from political office
31 January 1994 – Download PDF
V. SACBC statement on abortion
31 January 1994 – Download PDF
VI. SACBC statement on the train accident at Mariannhill
9 March 1994 – Download PDF
VII. SACBC statement on the senseless killings that plague or country
29 March 1994 – Download PDF
• Open Letter to President F.W. De Klerk, King Goodwill Zwelithini, Nelson Mandela and Chief Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi on the ongoing political violence in our land (7 April 1994) – Download PDF
• SACBC Secretariat statement regarding the Inkatha’s decision to participate in the forthcoming elections (19 April 1994) – Download PDF
VIII. SACBC statement on the Johannesburg car bomb
25 April 1994 – Download PDF
IX. SACBC Statement on the new South Africa
5 May 1994 – Download PDF
• SACBC Administrative Board Statement on the new Government of National Unity (25 May 1994) – Download PDF
X. Pastoral Letter of the Southern African Bishops’ Conference: Free at last
26 May 1994 – Download PDF
XI. Pastoral Letter of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference: The Year of the Family
May 1994 – Download PDF
• SACBC Secretariat statement on the sudden death of popular Pretoria Seminary Report (1 June 1994) – Download PDF
• SACBC Secretariat statement on the murder of Dr Johann Heyns (16 November 1994) – Download PDF
XII. Pastoral Letter of the Diocese of Bethlehem regarding Alter Servers
28 November 1994 – Download PDF
XIII. Appendix 1
The Rustenburg Declaration ( November 1990) – Download PDF
XIV. Appendix 2
Joint commuique of the meeting of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the African National Congress, Lusaka, Zambia (16 April 1986) – Download PDF