Christian leaders react to CRL Commission’s regulatory committee

'FORM OF STATE CONTROL'

- NADIA KHAN

CHURCHGOERS from different churches marched to the Union Buildings last week to raise their objections to the Section 22 Committee established by the CRL Commission. OUPA MOKOENA Independent Newspapers

CHRISTIAN leaders across South Africa have expressed concerns over the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities’ (CRL Commission) new Section 22 Committee, fearing it represents government overreach and threatens religious autonomy.

While the CRL Commission claims that the aim of the committee is to protect congregants from abuse, Christian leaders argue the initiative undermines constitutional freedoms and could lead to state regulation of religious practices.

Mpiyakhe Mkholo, the CRL Commission’s senior communication and marketing manager, said pursuant to its mandate, the committee was established in an effort to contribute to finding solutions that would significantly safeguard the spiritual and emotional well-being of congregants.

“Tt is also intended to reaffirm principles that promote and advance the respect for human dignity of all people, and to bring an end to instances of abuse that have been reported to the commission and in the media.

“The road travelled to this point has not been without challenges, notably from disinformation campaigns falsely claiming that the CRL Commission advocates for state regulation of religion.

“On the contrary, the issue of concern has been and continues to be about the conduct or behaviour of certain religious leaders, who place their church members in harm’s way. The CRL Commission firmly asserts that freedom of religion is sacrosanct and an inviolable constitutional right that must never be compromised by any individual,” he said.