SACC MEDIA STATEMENT
7 JUNE 2024
FROM THE DESK OF ARCHBISHOP THABO MAKGOBA, SACC PRESIDENT
SACC NATIONAL CHURCH LEADERS
CALL FOR CONTINUOUS PRAYER FOR SOUTH AFRICA
The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has concluded a special meeting of the National Church Leaders Forum, where the leaders of member churches came together in a contemplative moment, to reflect on the current situation of the country, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance for our time. The following key points have emerged from this meeting.
Weather Disasters
The Church leaders noted with concern and deep sadness the natural disasters that have befallen some parts of our country. The KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape provinces have been hit with weather conditions that have left people displaced and in despair in Tongaat in KZN, and the flooding in Nelson Mandela Bay has resulted in the tragic loss of six lives. The church leaders extend their deepest condolences to the families of those grieving the losses of loved ones. We acknowledge the pain and desperation of the residents of Tongaat and Nelson Mandela Bay and pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit to envelope the grieving and displaced.
The church leaders commend the loving response of many in our society, both in the church and society general, who have given and will yet give material support to those who are affected. We note with gratitude to God that some of our member churches both nationally and locally continue to respond with compassion in support of the communities. We further call on our people to support the affected in concrete ways as we continue to pray for them.
Aftermath of 7th General Elections
Following the successful conclusion of the 7th General Elections, we commend the people of South Africa for participating in an election that has been categorised as reflecting the will of the people. We have observed that the nation is still in a moment of tension, based on the results of the elections and the subsequent political negotiations that must ensue between now and 16 June 2024. Our initial prayers were for a peaceful election period; and now they have evolve into prayers for continued peace, and wisdom.
The Church leaders believe that South Africa must grant the political parties the time and space they need to work through the intricacies of building a governmental architecture that reflects the values of inclusivity, cooperation and commitment to resolving the priorities of our nation.
The SACC remains ready to serve the nation as needed in a manner that builds the country towards a future which our electorate has directed the political parties and their leaders to lead us in building.
It is our prayer that our political leaders guided by Ubuntu and the values shared by our diverse faith communities will, in their deliberations in search of a government to be formed, prioritise the needs of our people which includes fighting poverty, eradicating corruption, dealing with the pandemic of GBV and femicide and crime, and fixing our education system, as a start.
Day of Prayer for South Africa
The SACC Church leaders agreed to set aside Sunday 9 June 2024 as a day of prayer in their churches; prayer for wisdom over the political processes; prayer for the displaced and distressed because of the weather disasters; and prayer for ongoing peace in all areas of the country.
We are encouraged in 1 Thessalonians to pray without ceasing; and the SACC asks all people of faith to soak the country in prayer this Sunday.
As ONE nation, we will stand before God in prayer, and our voices we will be heard by the God of peace and love and justice.
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Khuthalani Khumalo
SACC Communications Consultant
South African Council of Churches
Tel: 084 074 1285 | Email: khuthalani@khuthalani.net
About the SACC
The South African Council of Churches (SACC) is an ecumenical association of affiliated Christian Churches, and blocks of churches such as The Evangelical Alliance and the Council of African Independent Churches, and the International Federation of Christian Churches, with a mandate to lead common Christian action that works for moral witness in South Africa. SACC does not exist for the propagation and the advancement of its doctrinal position, but is the place where our diverse interpretations of our faith come together in action for social justice. It therefore seeks to achieve a visible, just socio-economic and ecological impact, enabled through engaged churches-in-community for a reconciled South Africa and our sub-continent.
