Joint statement by ANC Commission on Religious Affairs and SACC, 18 September 2009

Leaders representing the Commission for Religious Affairs (CRA) and the South African Council of Churches (SACC) met at Chief Albert Luthuli House in Johannesburg today.

The meeting was part of a series of engagement between CRA and other faith-based organisations with an objective to hammer out a formula for cooperation amongst all religious sectors in light of the contemporary challenges facing the SACC, the ANC and the country.

The leaders frankly and robustly discussed the relationship between the Commission, the SACC, and the NILC. There is general acknowledgement for the commendable contributions the SACC and other faith communities continues to make in the struggles for equality and justice.

The meeting was of a strong view that closer cooperation within the faith-based community was important in the interest of nation building and improved service to the people of South Africa. The parties also agreed on the need for a united interfaith initiative and the importance of further engaging other formations.

The role of the NILC, which serves as an independent interfaith organisation that sought to unite leaders from all religious backgrounds, was also clarified.

The meeting reaffirmed the long standing relationship between CRA and the SACC and rejected claims in the media that there were tensions between the two parties.

Issued by:

Dr. Mathole Motshekga, Chairman of the ANC Commission on Religious Affairs

and

Eddie Makue, General Secretary of the SA Council of Churches

Enquiries:

Moloto Mothapo 082 370 6930

Eddie Makue 082 853 8781