A faith-in-jeopardy webinar was organized by the GKSA Deputies for Government Affairs after the CRL chairperson made statements such as:
- We are going to set up a section 22 committee… who will help us push through legislation in parliament. It’s not business as usual around churches anymore
- The government lost control of the religious sector after 1994… and this must stop
A letter was also sent to the Reformed Churches.
Webinar lectures:
- Opening | Ds Pieter le Roux | Youtube
- Historical Reactions to State Intervention | Prof Andries Raath | Youtube | PDF
- CRL danger | Adv Pieter Aucamp | Youtube | PDF
- The State as God’s servant | Prof Francois Muller | Youtube | PDF
- What can/should be done | Ds Tommie van Vuuren | Youtube | PDF
- Questions & Answers | Youtube
Letter to the Churches:
The Deputies for Government Affairs of the GKSA hereby wish to inform you of important developments regarding the current process of the CRL (Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities) concerning religion in South Africa.
1. Background to the matter
The CRL is currently conducting a so-called “Section 22 process,” which is presented as an open and voluntary consultation with churches and faith communities regarding self-regulation and accountability within the religious sector.
2. Actual direction of the process
Recent public statements by the Chairperson of the CRL clearly indicate that the intention extends beyond mere consultation. There is open discussion of:
- the establishment of a statutory council for religion, and
- the adoption of legislation by Parliament to establish such a council.
This means that the process is not merely aimed at voluntary cooperation, but could potentially lead to state control over the religious sector.
3. Implications for churches
According to proposals currently under discussion, the following may be introduced:
- Registration of churches and religious leaders
- A binding code of conduct
- A “certificate of good standing” for compliant institutions
- Sanctions for non-compliance, including deregistration
These elements point to a compulsory regulatory framework, rather than mere self-regulation.
4. Core concern
The core concern is not opposition to accountability or ethical conduct. On the contrary:
- The church acknowledges the necessity of addressing abuse and wrongdoing.
- There is already sufficient legislation in South Africa to deal with unlawful conduct.
The concern is that the proposed framework:
- gives the state a role in determining religious ethics and practice, and
- may infringe upon the constitutional right to freedom of religion.
5. Current status
There are currently legal proceedings underway that challenge the lawfulness of this process. The outcome of these cases may have a significant impact on any further developments.
6. Our involvement as Deputies
The Deputies for Government Affairs of the GKSA are taking this matter seriously and are closely monitoring developments. We are also studying the situation carefully and will provide guidance where necessary.
7. Future communication and involvement
We plan to host a webinar within the next few months in which:
- more comprehensive information will be provided, and
- the importance of the involvement of our churches in this matter will be addressed.
Further details will be communicated in due course.
Conclusion
We request that church councils and members take note of this matter and bring it before the Lord in prayer. This concerns the freedom of the church to serve the Lord according to His Word.
Brotherly greetings,
Deputies for Government Affairs – GKSA
NB: Permission granted to FOR SA for the use of information regarding the above matter.
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