Johannesburg

A highlight of our time in Johannesburg was touring some of SOWETO, which we learned stands for South West Townships. The history of townships is segregation, not too unlike what we experienced in the US. And its legacy is poverty and injustice to this day, though improvements have been made since the end of apartheid.

We drove through this huge suburb and saw both decent and desperate areas. Writing to you, the church in Portland, it seems appropriate and gratifying to share about the church we toured there. Regina Mundi Catholic is a vibrant and colorful beacon in SOWETO. In the movement to end apartheid, it was a center for action. When tensions came to a head, police fired in the church (see photo with blue windows and bullet holes in the ceiling). It reminded me of churches in the US South during the '60s ... and the threats of ICE now.

Today, the church has some really meaningful artwork that reflects the context it's in.
Some of the stained glass windows show light-skinned biblical characters inside, but from the outside, they're dark-skinned. Then at night, the opposite phenomenon takes place.
Outside the building, vendors are free to hopefully thrive from the tourists who stop by (like Janna Moats, pictured).

I'm grateful for PMC and all churches that weather hard times with courage and sanctuary. And who celebrate the beloved community with the vibrancies of all the arts.