ANCWL on misinterpretation of Christian religious doctrine by some Men of Cloth to advance their political opportunism

12 April 2016

Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, section 16 contains amongst other provisions with regard to freedom of expression, states that:

“Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom of the press and other media; freedom to receive or impart information or ideas;......" 

The African National Congress Women's League (ANCWL) respects all sectors of society and individual views regarding the outcome of the ConCourt ruling pertaining the Nkandla Presidential Homestead upgrade. We welcome a platform provided by the ANC that all sectors of the society are encouraged to approach ANC and make submission of their views.

However it is our view that sectors approaching the ANC should be mindful of their doctrine principles and should not be influenced by political views on the matter. We have made an observation on the re-writing of the Bible in terms of "Forgiveness" by certain faith- based leaders in particular from Christian faith where they adamantly indicated that they will not forgive President Jacob Zuma.

We want to remind them unless there was a conference to amend the Bible, in our understanding in Christian faith  that forgiveness is not optional but should be offered as an unwarranted favor as guided by the scriptures. Even the well-known Lord's prayer talks of:

".... And Forgive us Our Trespasses, as we Forgive those who Trespass against Us."

We reject the selective interpretation of the Biblical scriptures by men of cloth when submitting their views regarding the ConCourt ruling on Nkandla.  It has exposed their political biasness into the matter instead of remaining within their doctrine principles.

We are calling all ANCWL who are members of these faith based organisations that seem to amend the Bible to suit their political posture, to confront these men of cloth and demand clarity on the misinterpretation of the Bible and request apology from them.

We encourage our members who are voluntarily part of these faith based formations that have taken a political factional stance to reject those tendencies that are perpetrated by some men of cloth who want to serve a certain political agenda to discredit the ANC President.  Our members who are in those christian institutions must rise up and be like Deborah, Miriam, Huldah, Noadiah, Racheal, Hannah, Abigail, Ruth, Sarah and many women who are cited in the Bible as great leaders.

Our members who are affiliated to these religious institutions misintepriting the Bible, must stand up and demand that those who are lacking in the interpretation of Bible in regard to  forgiveness according to their religious doctrine must be taken to classes or  be released from the pulpit for them to join politics on full-time basis than being staff-riders. 

As all roads, are leading to ANC Manifesto launch on the 16 April 2016 in Port Elizabeth, we call all  members of the ANCWL to come in numbers and get the marching orders from the ANC as staff riders and wedge-drivers  have intensified their war to  divide the ANC and enforce regime change.

ANCWL  reiterates that we welcome and accept the apology provided by the President Jacob Zuma.

ANC leads,  ANC lives

Issued by Meokgo Matuba, ANCWL Secretary, 12 April 2016