From the Presiding Bishop

For immediate release

 

7 February 2014

 

 

 

The Church and Party Politics

 

The Methodist church of Southern Africa would like to dissociate itself from the comments made by Rev Dr Mehana, the 'ANC Chaplain General' at a meeting where 200 pastors where welcomed into the ANC yesterday in the Western Cape. He is quoted declaring the ANC  a 'movement of the people of God that is God led and God fearing…' He was not speaking on behalf of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA).

 

"I have learnt with great shock and dismay from a report in the media, of a group of pastors that are said to be jumping from one political party to another… church leaders should examine their consciences on issues of party politics," said Bishop Ziphozihle Siwa, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa.

 

The constitution of the MCSA states clearly that: "It is our belief that the Lordship of Christ extends to all of life, including the political, social and economic areas of our existence… When and where the situation requires it, Methodist are obliged before God to affirm and strive for the ideals of human dignity, justice and equity." Section 1.18 miscellaneous conference resolutions)

 

The MCSA is clear in that:

 

1.       We encourage all our members to participate socio-politically and exercise their right of choice to determine their governing structures.

 

2.       However, the church cannot be seen to be partisan in practice or otherwise

 

3.       We embrace all and advocate tolerance.

 

 We urge church leaders to desist from promoting one party against the other as this compromises our ministry and witness. The church has an obligation to act as a mediator in the light of God's word and that independence should not be compromised especially not now with elections looming.

 

 

Rev. David Barbour
033 3431708
barbour@absamail.co.za