The South African Muslim Network opposes establishment of religious regulation committee

THE South African Muslim Network (Samnet) notes the overtures being made by the CRL Commission to various faith groups to participate in a consultative process for the establishment of a Section 22 committee regulating religious practices in South Africa.

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Notwithstanding the fact that it appears that only Christian groupings were initially consulted on the very need for such a Section 22 committee in the first place, to the exclusion of other faith-based communities, the Samnet is opposed in principle to the very establishment of this Section 22 committee.

Even though it appears at this stage targeted at the Christian community, it is clear that this Section 22 committee will be expanded to include all other faith groups.

All of the reasons proposed for the establishment of the Section 22 committee already have mechanisms, laws and procedures to address them. There is therefore no need for parallel religious structures and overreach in any form.

All religious leaders, we are certain, are in favour of getting rid of certain abusive practices, criminality, abuse of forex, tax laws, trust laws, taking advantage of vulnerable people via spiritual abuse, and practices outside the fold of the very faith in which these actions happen, but this proposed Section 22 committee is not the way to rid communities of these abuses. We need more resources, training and implementation of the more than adequate existing laws.