Pray the News: When Church and Government Differ | Nelson Mandela Bay – 27 Jul

Thought for the Day

“In seasons of tension between Church and State, we are not called to withdraw or wage war, but to be salt and light. Even when we disagree with the government of the day, we can walk in humility, pursue unity in the Body of Christ, and choose to bless rather than to curse. True influence flows not from winning arguments, but from reflecting the character of Jesus.”

Abstract

An unholy row over the government’s proposed regulation of churches has erupted in Nelson Mandela Bay. This comes as pastors accuse the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities of conducting a flawed public participation process.

Church leaders met mayor Babalwa Lobishe on Friday after a Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) Section 22 consultative meeting held in the metro last week ended in controversy.

On Thursday, the church leaders also met Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane, raising their issues.

Representing the concerns of metro pastors, pastor Lingelihle Jadezweni of RUCC Ministries said one of two scheduled sessions held in the city had been cancelled and claimed that ministers were denied a meaningful opportunity to make submissions. Jadezweni claimed the consultation amounted to little more than a box-ticking exercise.

“Nothing was stated as to whether the Section 22 would come back to have the meetings again,” Jadezweni said. “[There was] a variety of complaints, obviously, by the ministers as to the time request for the meetings. Ministers were unable to register for the meetings, some of them because things were done online and they couldn’t get online at the short notice of the meetings. This raises a concern with the ministers that this looks like a box-ticking procedure.

“We’re just rubber-stamping. It was not reflective of a proper consultative process by the CRL Section 22 committee. Even in the meeting, which was supposed to be three hours, the bulk of the time was taken by the chair of the Section 22 committee and comments and questions by the ministers to whom the Section 22 committee could not adequately respond. We feel that the CRL process of the churches, the procedure, is unbecoming at best.”

More Background

Many church leaders and groups (including the South African Church Defenders — SACD, some in the South African Council of Churches, Pentecostal/charismatic formations, and others) reject this as state overreach disguised as self-regulation. Key reasons include:

• Constitutional Grounds: Sections 15 and 18 of the Constitution protect the freedom of association and religious autonomy. Churches are concerned that the proposed framework could result in government licensing of pastors, oversight of church doctrines and practices, mandatory registration, and the establishment of a quasi-judicial body with enforcement powers (e.g., the ability to "deregister" churches), thereby increasing state interference.
• Existing Accountability: Denominations and umbrella organizations already have internal accountability processes, and criminal laws address fraud and abuse. They argue that there is no need for additional bureaucratic measures.
• Targeting Concerns: The focus on the rapid growth of charismatic and Pentecostal churches, which has occasionally been associated with national security threats, raises fears of bias against independent, Black-led, or newer churches.
• Process Flaws: Critics have pointed out flaws in the consultation process, claiming it was inadequate and exclusive. They allege that outcomes were predetermined, key groups were excluded, and the process was rushed. For instance, issues in Nelson Mandela Bay, such as canceled sessions, short notice, online barriers, and meetings that were dominated by certain voices, exemplify these flaws. A former chair of Section 22 resigned, citing a lack of control and a predetermined agenda. Legal challenges regarding these matters are currently underway in the High Court.
• Skepticism About "Self-Regulation": Opponents express skepticism regarding the idea of self-regulation. They point to documents that mention legislative involvement, the creation of a council through an Act of Parliament, and participation from the CRL (the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities). They argue that these elements indicate that the proposed framework is fundamentally state-driven.

How can we pray?

1. For the Church to be the salt and light, even when disagreements arise with the government.

• Pray that the Church will continue to be preserving salt in society, maintaining truth, righteousness, and moral clarity without losing its distinctiveness, even in the face of disagreement (Matthew 5:13). Ask God to make the Church a shining light, visibly demonstrating hope, integrity, and good works that glorify the Father, rather than retreating into bitterness or withdrawal (Matthew 5:14-16).
• Pray for boldness and wisdom so that churches continue serving their communities through compassion, justice, and practical help, regardless of policy differences.
• Ask the Lord to protect the Church from compromising its values on one side and from angry disengagement on the other, ensuring it remains a credible witness for Christ.

2. For an attitude of humility and unity in their approach.

• Pray for a spirit of humility among church leaders and congregations, encouraging them to consider others better than themselves and to be humble toward one another and toward authorities (Philippians 2:3-5; 1 Peter 5:5).
• Ask God to foster genuine unity within the Body of Christ, even across denominational and theological differences, so that the world may believe (John 17:21-23; Ephesians 4:1-6).
• Pray against pride, division, and self-righteousness; instead, let the Church approach the government and one another with gentle strength and respectful dialogue.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to guard hearts so that disagreements do not turn into personal attacks or public spectacles that could harm the name of Christ.

3. The Church's blessing on the Government.

• Pray that the Church will follow Scripture by praying for those in authority at the national, provincial, and local levels. Ask God to grant them wisdom, integrity, and godly counsel (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
• Request that God fill church leaders with the grace to bless the government, honoring them as instituted by God, while still addressing concerns truthfully and respectfully (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:17).
• Pray for a heart posture that seeks the peace and prosperity of the nation, even in the face of policies that may cause tension—"praying for the welfare of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7).
• Ask the Lord to help the Church model constructive criticism rooted in love, rather than resorting to cursing or constant opposition. This way, the Church can be a voice of hope and reconciliation.

A Short Prayer

“Father, help Your Church in South Africa to walk worthy of our calling — as salt and light, in humility and unity, and with a heart that blesses even when we disagree. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in our nation, through Your people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

🗃️ Scripture Chest

Praying God’s Word over the Church and Government

Salt and Light

• Matthew 5:13-16

Humility

• Philippians 2:3-5
• 1 Peter 5:5-6
• James 4:6-10

Unity

• John 17:21-23
• Ephesians 4:1-3

Blessing Those in Authority

• 1 Timothy 2:1-2
• Romans 13:1-7
• 1 Peter 2:17
• Jeremiah 29:7