Govt to control churches?

FAITH LEADERS HIT BACK & DEMAND THE REMOVAL OF THE CRL RIGHTS CHAIRPERSON

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THE South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) has vowed to confront what it calls unilateral actions by the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission).

The establishment of a new consultative body to oversee churches and faith institutions in South Africa has reignited a national debate about the State's role in religion, with critics warning that the initiative could pave the way for government control over matters of faith.

Last week, the CRL Rights Commission introduced a Section 22 Committee, described as a peer-review mechanism aimed at promoting accountability and curbing abuse within religious organisations.