Rebecca N.Mukwaya
Should religious leaders take a stand against oppression, or should they remain within their spiritual domain—preaching about morality, obedience, and salvation? This question has lingered for centuries, sparking debates about the role of the church in governance and human rights. Many argue that the clergy should strictly focus on spiritual matters, steering clear of politics. But when injustice, corruption, and brutality become widespread, does silence make them complicit?
In recent times, distressing events have unfolded before our very eyes. Torture victims have spoken out, recounting harrowing experiences. Citizens have mysteriously disappeared, leaving families in endless anguish. Opposition leaders have been subjected to military courts instead of civilian trials, and corruption has become deeply entrenched, draining the nation's resources. Despite these injustices, many religious leaders have remained largely silent. Their inaction is as shocking as a mother ignoring the desperate wails of her starving child.
The church’s silence in the face of oppression is not new. During colonial rule, religious institutions were used as instruments to pacify Africans, ensuring they remained submissive and obedient to their colonial masters. The church discouraged resistance, branding those who spoke out against injustice as rebellious and ungodly. The role of religious leaders at the time was to reinforce the status quo, encouraging Africans to focus on spiritual rewards rather than resisting exploitation. Are we witnessing history repeating itself?
The clergy today, like their colonial-era counterparts, seem reluctant to challenge oppressive leadership. Instead of standing with the oppressed, some leaders appear to side with those in power. Paulo Freire, in Pedagogy of the Oppressed, warns that concepts of unity, organisation, and struggle are immediately labelled as dangerous. In fact, of course, these concepts are dangerous to oppressors, for their realisation is necessary to actions of liberation. It’s no secret that oppressors have no will to change the status quo because these changes mean they risk altering their wealth, power and subsequently, their way of life. Similarly, psychologist Albert Bandura highlights how moral justification is a powerful disengagement mechanism. Destructive conduct is made personally and socially acceptable by portraying it in the service of moral ends.
This is why most appeals against violent means usually fall on deaf ears. Throughout history, religious figures have played a significant role in confronting injustice. The Bible is filled with examples of leaders who stood up to oppressive rulers rather than remaining silent. Elijah boldly confronted King Ahab and his wife, Jezebel, exposing his acts of murder and injustice. Nathan rebuked King David after he orchestrated Uriah’s death to take Bathsheba as his wife. John the Baptist lost his life for speaking out against King Herod’s immoral actions.
Even Jesus was perceived as a threat to the Roman Empire. His teachings of justice and liberation gave hope to the oppressed. Given these biblical precedents, why do today’s religious leaders hesitate to challenge oppressive systems? If prophets and apostles took bold stands against tyranny, should modern clergy not do the same? Encouraging faith, endurance, and hope in suffering is valuable, but it cannot replace action.
True leadership demands standing for justice, even when it is uncomfortable or risky. The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a fearless advocate against apartheid, famously stated: "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality."
The church must reclaim its prophetic role, acting as the conscience of society rather than a passive observer. Religious leaders must not only offer prayers but also speak truth to power, advocating for justice, accountability, and human dignity. History will judge those who stood idly by as oppression flourished. The oppressed are crying out—will the church finally listen?
Ms Rebecca N.Mukwaya is a social critic.
