Catholics in Angola Warned Against Mixing Christian Faith With Pagan Practices: “Do not live in hypocrisy”

In brief

Archbishop Gabriel Mbilingi of the Archdiocese of Lubango is calling on Catholics in Angola to stop mixing Christian faith with pagan customs. During a Sunday Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral on September 13, the archbishop warned that maintaining incompatible religious practices creates a divided identity and weakens the authenticity of the faith.

Archbishop Mbilingi noted that some believers remain attached to traditions held before their conversion. He said some Catholics are afraid to abandon these practices, leading them to seek protection from both saints and the devil. He described this behavior as a form of hypocrisy that requires a transformation of attitudes, customs, and choices.

The archbishop stated that these contradictions show a need for ongoing evangelization. He said this work should help Christians distinguish between what is compatible with the Gospel and what belongs to unevangelized practices.