MOTION ON PASSING ON OF FATHER ALBERT NOLAN: PRIEST, ACTIVIST, AUTHOR, AND RENOWNED THEOLOGIAN
The African National Congress moves without notice: That the House
- notes that well-known South African Catholic priest, anti-apartheid activist and internationally renowned theologian and author Father Albert Nolan passed on the 17th October at the age of 88;
- acknowledges that he was awarded the ‘Order of Luthuli in Silver’ by then President Thabo Mbeki in 2003 for his life-long dedication to the struggle for democracy, human rights and justice and for challenging the religious heresy of theologically justifying the crime of apartheid;
- further acknowledges that his dedication to the anti-apartheid struggle saw him decline the prestigious role of Master of the Dominican Order to which he was elected in 1983, as it would have meant him being transferred to the Order’s Rome Headquarters and he wanted to rather remain in South Africa;
- remembers that as a priest, activist, author, and renowned theologian, Father Nolan offered a forceful yet gentle message of hope, particularly hope in the building of a non-racial, non-sexist, peaceful and environmentally sustainable South Africa and World; and
- extends its condolences to the family and friends of Father Nolan and to the Catholic Church.
