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A Francis-appointed bishop looks at how well the West African country has fared since its independence in 1960
By Juste Hlannon | Benin
Benin will mark 60 years of independence from French rule on August 1.
The West African nation, which was called Dahomey until 1975, actually became a sovereign nation 15 years prior to the name change.
Over the past six decades, this country of nearly 12 million inhabitants has achieved a number socio-political and religious milestones.
Bishop Aristide Gonsallo, 53, grew up as Benin was still mapping out its identity as a newly independent State.
Bishop of Porto-Novo in the country's capital of the country since 2015, he spoke to La Croix Africa's Juste Hlannon about his homeland and the upcoming anniversary.
La Croix Africa: What is your political assessment after these 60 years of independence for the country?
Bishop Aristide Gonsallo: The feeling that lives on after 60 years of walking together is, above all, thanksgiving, gratitude to God, Master of time and history.
At the political level, we can note steps of maturity and maturation in progress.
However, as a citizen, I think that we could have done better, if, at certain times, we were not caught up in something like a perpetual campaign of positioning.
Indeed, I believe that, once the elections are over, the essential issue should be the country's progress in the objective pursuit of the common good.
In this respect, I would like to point out two socio-cultural factors.
On the one hand, the expression in the local language "So tcha, du tcha" translated literally as "Take on the field and eat on the field" or "As soon as earned, as soon as spent or wasted".
Why not say instead: "As soon as earned, immediately invested in projects"?
On the other hand, the expression translated literally: "If it's not good for me, it will be spoiled for everyone" did not help us to progress at all.
Fortunately, unlike other countries, our people do not engage in blind violence.
How do you see the relationship between Church and State in Benin in recent years?
My view is that of a pastor and not of a politician.
Politics touches on complex realities that impose compromises, even multiple compromises.
Moreover, the worldwide explosion of religious management on all sides does not spare Benin.
Certainly, André Malraux suggested that the 21st century will be spiritual or nothing. This spirituality has unfortunately become very materialistic.
I understand that, from a certain point of view, we courageously refuse to allow religion to corrupt political choices and decisions.
But I believe that we must make a clear distinction between the gross interference of religious in the management of the State, and the necessary word of the religious for reasons relating to the three "S's", that is to say, the science that refers to the quality of the education that we impart through teaching from childhood to adulthood, health (la sante), which is essential to the construction of a society that is non-stressed and non-stressful, and holiness (la sainteté), which, contrary to what one might think, is intrinsic to the good of the State, the nation not being an end in itself.
The goal of the citizen, in fact, goes far beyond the physical state of any person expecting a state of bliss. The happiness the citizen desires on earth goes beyond social ease. As Pascal said, "man infinitely passes man".
How do you see the paradox between the strong presence of Christians in political circles since 1960 and the situation in the country?
Since 1960, despite the commitment of truly inculturated missionaries like Father Francis Aupiais of venerated memory, Christians, including Catholics, have not been able to take the full measure of the political and economic question.
Many have found in politics a privileged space to share the national "cake".
Conflicts of persons and regions, nepotism and corruption led the country to successive coup d'états until 1972.
With the advent of democratic renewal, there were hopes that were subsequently eroded with the passage of time.
If we look closely, many Catholics, like many Beninese, have made politics a profession, a place of privilege, which I think poses a problem.
I am pleased that, in the figure of Archbishop Isidore de Souza, the Church has contributed to a change of course towards democracy in our country.
I also believe that all the children of Benin, whatever their religion, must honor their duty towards the country.
Let us love and care for Benin and we will be proud to be its worthy children.
As a pastor, I would like to appeal to the sense of commitment for all my brothers and sisters in Christ so that our contribution is not marginal.
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