The briefing took place at Braampark, Johannesburg, and the statement was delivered by Rev Dr John Maloma, member of the section 22 committee. “Our mission is born from a deep love for the church and a profound respect for the constitution that protects our freedom of religion,” said Maloma, adding that it is also “born from a place of collective pain and unwavering hope”. The committee said it had “witnessed the devastating reports of exploitation, where the vulnerable have been fed false promises and harmful substances”, as well as “the pain of financial abuse and the scandal of moral failure in places meant to offer sanctuary”.
It said these actions “have cast a shadow, not only on the institutions involved but on the glorious name of Christ we all proclaim”. “Today, we are publishing a draft self-regulatory framework for the Christian sector for national consultation,” said Maloma. The committee stressed that the framework “is not a framework for state control”, noting that sections 15 and 31 of the constitution guaranteed freedom of belief and practice.
“That freedom is sacred and non-negotiable,” he said. The committee described the framework as “a proactive, voluntary initiative by the church, for the church”, built on three pillars: The framework proposes the establishment of an Independent Christian Practice Council for Ethics and Accountability, which will support, guide and certify organisations that commit to the standards and provide a “seal of good standing”. “This is about restoring and strengthening public trust,” the committee said.
Read Full Article on The Sowetan
[paywall]
“It is about ensuring that when we speak of faith, hope, and love, our actions loudly echo our words.” CRL Rights Commission chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva said the process was being undertaken in phases, starting with the Christian sector, with similar processes to follow for other religions. She said the commission was not mandated to defend churches or individuals, but communities, in line with the constitution.
[/paywall]
