Africa News
Tackle moral rot with theology, Tutu tells South Africa churches
By DPA
Jul 16, 2007, 14:16 GMT

Johannesburg - South Africa's outspoken Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Monday called on churches to work to stem the moral decay that is fuelling high levels of violent crime.

'It's not economics that needs to drive us, it's our theology,' Tutu was quoted by SAPA news agency as telling a meeting of the South African Council of Churches in Johannesburg.

'Why is it that there is no sense of shame when we steal pension money? Where is our pride and respect?' he asked.

The popular cleric has repeatedly deplored what he has described as the erosion of morality in post-apartheid South Africa, where over 19,000 people are murdered each year.

Inequality is thought to be another of the key factors influencing high crime levels.

While the country is exhibiting healthy growth of on average 5 per cent over the past three years, the gap between rich and poor is growing.

Tutu called on the government to rethink the need for a basic income grant after a recent conference of the ruling ANC party dismissed the idea, and for more investment in improved health services, housing and education.