The SA Council of Churches (SACC) has advised against political parties using churches to fuel their election campaigns.
In a statement released on Monday, the acting general secretary of the SACC, Reverend Mzwandile Molo, emphasised that religious leaders should not allow their churches to be used as election campaign platforms.
“The SACC has always been committed to a non-partisan approach in its work of anchoring democracy, and our expectation is that member churches will respect that commitment and allow religious spaces to remain safe and welcoming to all people, regardless of political affiliation,” said Molo.
“When we invite political leaders to address our congregations during our services, that safety for all is compromised.
“The choice of who should govern is a sacred responsibility not only given by the
constitution of our country, but it is a godly mandate, therefore we must respect the
sanctity of our religious spaces by refusing to let them be used for the fulfilment of
political agendas.”
The SACC believes that peace can only exist where there is love, and if each
South Africans can commit to loving their neighbours as they do themselves.
“In that way, we can respectfully accept each other’s choices without waging war against each other because we share the vision of a country inspired by justice, love and peace.”
He said this as there is only one week left before the SACC hosts the National Day of Prayer for the 2024 general elections.
Electoral process free of violence
The call for a well-secured electoral process that is free of intimidation and violence has been recapitulated.
The Grace Bible Church in Soweto will host the National Day of Prayer session on May 5. The focal point is “a well-secured electoral process”.
Molo said: “There have been very few reports of violence or intimidation in the campaigning journey thus far, and our call is for all political parties to uphold this commitment by all means.”
The SACC acknowledged that in the signing of the electoral code of conduct,
all political parties have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the requirements
of a violence-free election.
Molo added that all South Africans have a common need, which is the resolution of all the challenges, and as the faith community, this becomes especially important because churches are at the forefront of understanding the needs of those who are most vulnerable in society.
Peaceful political settlement
“It is, therefore, in the collective interests of all South Africans that the elections are conducted fairly and peacefully for the good of all.
Molo reiterated with a rather proud wave that peace is the body of Christ’s mandate
Previous SACC leaders promoted negotiations for a peaceful political settlement, and in the run-up to the first elections of 1994, they led the Peace Accord that ensured peace and the de-escalation of political conflict.
Molo emphasised the need for churches to be active citizens in the process of peace-building in their communities.
“Our country is our responsibility and our work anchoring democracy clearly outlines our responsibility as churches — motivated by the people’s quest for peace in its fullness — to be involved in matters of democracy, good governance, and peacekeeping.”
In continuing this work, the SACC is recruiting people from congregations of member churches around the country to serve as election observers for the May 29 vote.
This is to make sure that the voting stations remain respected spaces for all the voters.
Prayer service
“Mounting an observer mission during the general elections ensures that the role of the church transcends the pulpit and finds practical expression in our communities,” he said.
“Our member churches have a responsibility to advocate for ethical behaviour among candidates and voters alike, standing as a reminder for all to uphold the principles of fairness and peace during the elections.”
The president of the SACC, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, will lead the multi-denominational service, where prayer and supplication will be offered for all electoral structures, law enforcement, participating political parties, and candidates.
The Independent Electoral Commission, the SA Police Service, representatives of political parties, and independent candidates will all be present at the service.
