A music lecturer is claiming R100 000 from the NG Kerk Moreleta Park for sacking him because of a gay relationship, the Pretoria High Court heard on Monday.
He also demands an ”unconditional” apology from the church.
Johan Strydom (31), who now lives in Jeffrey’s Bay, claims the church unfairly discriminated against him and impaired his human dignity. He was sacked from his post as lecturer in the church’s arts academy in July 2005.
He told the court on Monday he was called for a meeting after the church received an anonymous call, informing it that Strydom was involved in a homosexual relationship.
Strydom said he did not deny the allegation, but refused to attend the meeting as he felt his sexual orientation was a private matter. He then received an email from the congregation manager, informing him that the church’s position on sexual orientation was a non-negotiable principle.
The email said the church could not deviate from this principle and his services were no longer required — notwithstanding the high quality of his work.
Strydom, who at one stage burst into tears, said he felt sexual orientation was a small part of a person.
”Why is it not necessary for a heterosexual person to say on his application that he is heterosexual? I can’t see why I had to tell anyone I was homosexual,” he said. ”I was merely a music lecturer, not a spiritual leader. I was not even a member of the NG Kerk.”
Strydom said he had been aware of being ”different” from a young age when he realised that he was attracted to men. He never felt this was in conflict with his religious beliefs, as it was a matter between him and God.
”That’s how I was made. I cannot change it. I’ve made peace with it. It’s not about the church or a person’s interpretation, but about my personal relationship with God.”
The church denies that it unfairly discriminated against Strydom, or that there was any formal employment contract between them.
It says in court papers Strydom knew he did not qualify for a position in the church for as long as he was involved in an active homosexual relationship.
”Just as the respondent would not allow its ministers, officials, spiritual leaders and lecturers to be alcoholics or to have active extramarital affairs, it could not allow them to be involved in active homosexual practices,” the church said. — Sapa