Religious Freedom Under Threat

Executive Summary

What's Happening

The CRL Rights Commission is advancing proposals for mandatory church licensing, state-appointed oversight committees, and regulatory control over religious leadership. These measures would grant government unprecedented authority to approve clergy, dictate church operations, and interfere directly in matters of faith and doctrine previously protected by constitutional guarantee.

Why It Matters

Religious freedom stands as both a precious South African value and a fundamental constitutional right. Yet this bedrock principle faces unprecedented threat as government seeks to regulate and control religious institutions. The implications extend far beyond any single denomination, threatening the very foundation of our democratic society.

What's at Stake

Success here establishes dangerous precedent for state control over all religious communities across South Africa. Every faith tradition - Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and others - faces potential government interference in sacred matters of doctrine, leadership, and worship. This represents a fundamental departure from constitutional democracy toward authoritarian oversight of conscience itself.

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Issue Context

Our Faith Position

Our commitment to biblical truth guides our stance on this issue. We believe Scripture provides clear direction for how Christians should respond to matters of faith, freedom, and governance.

Key Scripture References

Biblical foundations that inform our position

"But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.'"

Acts 5:29

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."

Romans 13:1-2

"Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor."

1 Peter 2:17

Additional references

Theological Foundation

Understanding the biblical principles behind our stance

Core Biblical Principles

Divine Authority: God's authority supersedes human government, and believers must obey God rather than men when authorities contradict God's commands
Conscience Rights: Freedom to live according to biblical convictions and practice faith without state interference in matters of doctrine and worship
Prophetic Voice: Called to speak truth to power when necessary, maintaining that matters of faith, doctrine, and church governance belong to God alone

Scripture teaches us to honor governing authorities as established by God, while maintaining our primary allegiance to God Himself. When human authorities demand what contradicts God's commands or seeks to control religious practice, believers must respectfully but firmly choose obedience to God. The proposed state regulation of religious institutions crosses this biblical boundary by placing government authority over matters of faith, doctrine, and church governance that belong solely to God and His people.

Historical Precedent

The history of the church is filled with examples of believers who refused to allow government to control matters of faith. When the Roman Empire demanded worship of the emperor, early Christians chose martyrdom rather than compromise their allegiance to Christ. During the Reformation, reformers like Martin Luther stood before imperial authorities at the Diet of Worms, declaring 'Here I stand, I can do no other' when ordered to recant their biblical convictions. In Nazi Germany, pastors like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Confessing Church refused state control over church doctrine and leadership. In communist countries, underground churches continued to meet and preach despite state prohibition. When governments seek to license, approve, or regulate religious practice, faithful Christians throughout history have consistently maintained that matters of faith, doctrine, and church governance belong to God alone, not to earthly authorities.

Case Against This Proposal

A summary of our objections, suggested actions, and a constructive alternative approach.

Key Arguments

Existing laws already cover criminal acts
Proposal is unconstitutional (state control of religious practice)
Unworkable (requires massive bureaucratic oversight)
Violates separation of church and state principle
Courts traditionally don't adjudicate doctrinal matters
Direct conflict with religious freedom guarantees

Recommended Actions

Churches should adopt voluntary codes of conduct
Religious institutions should self-regulate
Public should object through letters, petitions, emails
Contact Commission, Government, and political representatives
Organize powerful joint action to oppose the proposal

Alternative Solution

Voluntary code of conduct for religious institutions

Status:Proposed to Commission in 2018 but rejectedAvailability:Freely available for any religious institution to adopt

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