Safeguard our Religious Freedom
There are growing concerns about new legislation that could impact religious freedom in our country.
Jan Pretorius from SACOFF was present at the meeting and shared valuable insights on the proposed regulation. Pastor Bert Pretorius, president of SACOFF, urged all churches to come together and warned that the church can’t just sit back when decisions that impact the community are being made.
Right now, important conversations are happening regarding the proposed regulations from the South African Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) that could affect churches and religious freedom.
The CRL is drafting a regulatory framework specifically for the Christian sector.
If this framework is approved and put into action, it will require religious organizations to register with the government.
“Several churches and Christian groups have voiced serious worries about the potential consequences of this process and what it could mean for the autonomy of churches in South Africa,” stated Pastor Ryan Langkilde, a member of the South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF) board.
Langkilde spoke at the Freedom of Religion Church Leaders Meeting held at New Life Church on October 21, emphasizing: “We believe it’s crucial for pastors to be aware of what’s going on and to know their rights. For many years, churches have had the liberty to preach the Gospel, gather, worship, and manage their churches without excessive government oversight. We want to figure out how to safeguard that freedom moving forward.”
He pointed out that the CRL has started a process to look into ‘self-regulation within the Christian sector’ via a Section 22 committee.
“As this process continues to develop, it’s vital for churches to grasp what is being proposed and to make sure their voices are heard,” Langkilde added.
“We want to motivate churches to get actively involved. Church leaders can step up by learning about the proposed framework, taking part in consultation opportunities, and collaborating to make sure local church voices are heard. It’s our duty to advocate for religious freedom, safeguard the church’s autonomy, and uphold biblical truths while ensuring our ministries run with integrity and accountability.”
“The church can’t afford to be out of the loop or disengaged. This is a moment for unity, prayer, informed action, and bold leadership. Let’s come together to defend our religious freedom and help shape the future of the church in South Africa,” he added.