Stephen Brislin
Stored: Stephen Brislin
| His Eminence Stephen Brislin | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Johannesburg | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Kroonstad |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Kroonstad |
| Other diocese 2: | Archdiocese of Cape Town |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 19 November 1983 by Bishop Johannes Ludgerus Bonaventure Brenninkmeijer |
| Consecration: | 28 January 2007 by Archbishop Jabulani Adatus Nxumalo |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 30 September 2023 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Stephen Brislin 24 September 1956 Welkom, Free State, South Africa |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | South Africa |
| Education: | University of Louvain |
| Motto: | "Veritas in Caritate" (Truth in Charity) |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Progressive |
| Region: | Southern Africa |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Stephen Brislin, born on 24 September 1956, is a South African prelate of the Catholic Church, serving as the Archbishop of Johannesburg since 2024 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023.[1] Born in Welkom, South Africa, of Scottish and Irish descent, he was ordained a priest in 1983 for the Diocese of Kroonstad, served as Bishop of Kroonstad from 2006 to 2009, and as Archbishop of Cape Town from 2009 to 2024.[2] Known for his progressive theology, commitment to social justice, and advocacy for peace, Brislin has addressed issues like racism, corruption, and sexual violence in the Church, notably as president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) from 2013 to 2019 and again since 2024.[3] His elevation to cardinal and appointment to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in 2023 highlight his growing global influence.[4]
Brislin’s ministry has focused on fostering dialogue in post-apartheid South Africa, including a 2018 visit to Gaza as part of the Holy Land Coordination to support peace efforts.[5] As president of the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) from 2012 to 2016, he championed migration and ecological issues, aligning with Pope Francis’ priorities.[6] His progressive views, including openness to marginalized groups and his decision to allow a dissident group advocating women priests and married clergy in Cape Town, have sparked conservative criticism.[6] His eligibility for the 2025 papal conclave, where he is seen as a progressive voice, has drawn media attention, though he has not commented on papal candidacy.[7] Despite challenges, Brislin remains committed to Johannesburg, promoting synodality and social justice.[8]
Biography
Birth and early life
Stephen Brislin was born on 24 September 1956 in Welkom, Free State, South Africa, to a Catholic family of Scottish and Irish descent.[1] He attended primary school at the Convent of Saint Agnes and secondary school at Christian Brothers College in Welkom, where he developed an interest in psychology and social issues.[9] Growing up in apartheid-era South Africa, Brislin’s early experiences shaped his commitment to justice and reconciliation.[10]
His decision to pursue the priesthood was influenced by the Church’s role in addressing social inequalities, leading him to enter the seminary in 1976.[2] Brislin’s multicultural background and education in Welkom’s diverse community informed his later advocacy for inclusivity.[11]
Education
Brislin studied psychology at the University of Cape Town from 1975 to 1976, followed by philosophy at St. John Vianney Seminary in Pretoria (1976–1977) and the University of South Africa (UNISA).[1] He pursued theology at the Missionary Institute of Mill Hill in London from 1979 to 1982, earning a bachelor’s degree in theology from the University of Louvain in 1982 with a thesis on “Permanent Deacons in a South African Diocese.”[12]
His education, spanning psychology, philosophy, and theology, equipped him for pastoral leadership in South Africa’s complex social landscape.[10] In 1979, he completed a pastoral internship in Viljoenskroon, and in 1982, he served as a deacon in St. Anselm parish in Southall, London.[12] Brislin received an honorary doctorate in Pastoral Leadership from the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, in 2023.[5]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Kroonstad on 19 November 1983 by Bishop Johannes Ludgerus Bonaventure Brenninkmeijer, Brislin served in various pastoral roles.[1] He studied Sesotho in Lesotho for four months in 1984, then served as chaplain in Virginia (1984–1985) and parish priest in Odendaalsrus, Kutlwanong, and Motsethabong (1986–1989).[13] From 1990 to 2003, he was vicar general of Kroonstad, and from 2003 to 2006, he served as diocesan administrator after Brenninkmeijer’s death.[12]
Brislin’s priesthood focused on social justice, including support for the Basotho community, reflected in his coat of arms’ Basotho hat.[9] Named a Papal Honorary Prelate by Pope John Paul II in 2002, his leadership during Kroonstad’s sede vacante period demonstrated administrative skill.[12]
Bishop
Appointed Bishop of Kroonstad on 17 October 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI, Brislin was consecrated on 28 January 2007 by Archbishop Jabulani Adatus Nxumalo.[1] Named Archbishop of Cape Town on 18 December 2009, he took possession on 7 February 2010.[9] On 28 October 2024, Pope Francis appointed him Archbishop of Johannesburg, with installation on 25 January 2025.[2] Elevated to cardinal-priest of Santa Maria Domenica Mazzarello on 30 September 2023, he took possession of his titular church on 12 May 2024.[14]
Brislin’s episcopal ministry has emphasized social issues, including anti-racism and anti-corruption efforts, and he has called for stronger action against sexual violence in the Church.[15] His leadership in the SACBC (2013–2019, 2024–present) and IMBISA (2012–2016), along with participation in the 2014 and 2015 Synods on the Family, reflect his global engagement.[6] His progressive views, including openness to marginalized groups, have drawn conservative scrutiny, but his 2025 conclave eligibility positions him as a notable figure.[7]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Kroonstad | Diocesan Bishop | 17 October 2006 | 18 December 2009 | Consecrated in 2007; served as diocesan administrator prior |
| Archdiocese of Cape Town | Metropolitan Archbishop | 18 December 2009 | 28 October 2024 | Elevated to cardinal in 2023 |
| Archdiocese of Johannesburg | Metropolitan Archbishop | 28 October 2024 | Present | Installed in January 2025 |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Kroonstad in 1983.[1]
- Named Papal Honorary Prelate by Pope John Paul II in 2002.[12]
- Appointed Bishop of Kroonstad in 2006.[1]
- Named Archbishop of Cape Town in 2009.[9]
- Elected president of the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) (2012–2016).[16]
- Elected president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (2013–2019).[3]
- Participated in the 2014 and 2015 Synods on the Family.[12]
- Visited Gaza as part of the Holy Land Coordination in 2018.[5]
- Received honorary doctorate in Pastoral Leadership from Oblate School of Theology in 2023.[5]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023.[2]
- Appointed to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in 2023.[4]
- Appointed Archbishop of Johannesburg in 2024.[8]
- Elected president of the SACBC in 2024.[3]
- Confirmed as eligible for the 2025 papal conclave.[7]
Books
Written about the bishop
- Mazurczak, Filip (30 September 2023). "Cardinal Stephen Brislin: South Africa’s Voice for Justice". https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/09/30/meet-the-new-cardinals-stephen-brislin/.
- Radine, Runaine (13 May 2024). "SA Cardinal Stephen Brislin Takes Possession of Rome Church". https://www.scross.co.za/2024/05/sa-cardinal-stephen-brislin-takes-possession-of-rome-church/.
- Almendras, Jennifer (9 October 2023). "Cardenal Stephen Brislin". https://verdadenlibertad.com/cardenal-stephen-brislin/.
Written by the bishop
- No books or major publications by Cardinal Stephen Brislin have been identified in available sources, though he has contributed homilies and pastoral letters on social justice and peace.[3]
External links
- Stephen Cardinal Brislin at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Cardinal Stephen Brislin at Archdiocese of Johannesburg
- Cardinal Brislin Appointed to Dicastery for Causes of Saints at Vatican News
- Cardinal Stephen Brislin at Vatican Press
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Cheney, David M.. "Stephen Cardinal Brislin". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/brislin.html.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Resignations and Appointments, 28.10.2024". 28 October 2024. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2024/10/28/241028a.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Cardinal Stephen Brislin Elected SACBC President". 8 August 2024. https://sacbc.org.za/cardinal-stephen-brislin-elected-sacbc-president/.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Cardinal Brislin Appointed to Dicastery for Causes of Saints". 4 October 2023. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/cardinal-brislin-dicastery-causes-saints.html.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Stephen Brislin". 28 April 2024. https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Brislin.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Cardinal Stephen Brislin". 8 July 2024. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/stephen-brislin.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Piqué, Elisabetta (25 April 2025). "Quiénes son los cardenales que participarán del cónclave". https://www.lanacion.com.ar/el-mundo/quienes-son-los-cardenales-que-participaran-del-conclave-nid25042025/.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Cardinal Brislin Installed as Archbishop of Johannesburg". 30 January 2025. https://adct.org.za/cardinal-brislin-installed-archbishop-johannesburg/.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 "Stephen Brislin". 3 May 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Brislin.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Mazurczak, Filip (30 September 2023). "Cardinal Stephen Brislin: South Africa’s Voice for Justice". https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/09/30/meet-the-new-cardinals-stephen-brislin/.
- ↑ "Stephen Brislin". 10 July 2023. https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Brislin.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 "Stephen Brislin". 18 September 2012. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Brislin.
- ↑ "Stephen Brislin". 22 February 2021. https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Brislin.
- ↑ Radine, Runaine (13 May 2024). "SA Cardinal Stephen Brislin Takes Possession of Rome Church". https://www.scross.co.za/2024/05/sa-cardinal-stephen-brislin-takes-possession-of-rome-church/.
- ↑ "Erzbischof Stephen Brislin". August 2024. https://www.domradio.de/artikel/erzbischof-stephen-brislin.
- ↑ "Stephen Brislin". 31 March 2012. https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Brislin.