ANC president Jacob Zuma asked for prayers for a peaceful election during a service at the Rhema Bible Church, in Randburg, on Sunday.
Zuma, who was welcomed with applause, told the congregation that the African National Congress believed in the power of prayer.
”We urge the church to pray for a peaceful and fair election, easy transition into the new government … and nation building.”
”The church has historically played a key role in education and I hope they will continue to do so,” he said.
He said the ANC had its roots in the Christian faith, but celebrated and supported all other faiths.
”While there [is] extensive religious diversity, the majority [of members] are Christian,” he said.
”The ANC derived its moral vision from the church among other sources and post 2009 elections we will work for a continued partnership with the faith-based sector.”
Zuma told the congregation that the ANC needed the support of the church and all faith-based organisations to release the South African people from poverty and all its manifestations.
He said education, and fighting poverty and crime were high on the ANC’s agenda.
”The fight against crime is everybody’s business. We have to do our share to prevent crime and deal with the consequences.”
”We believe the anti-crime plans we are developing will be effective,” he said.
Zuma also urged the church to pray for big events coming up in the South Africa calendar.
”We must pray for huge events such as the 2010 Soccer World Cup to succeed. Working together we seek to make South Africa a land of milk and honey.”
At the end of Zuma’s address, Pastor Ray McCauley prayed for him.
”We pray for peace in our nation … we pray for our leader and we pray for absolute peace during the election.
”Bless him, keep him protected, guide and lead him,” prayed McCauley.
He joked that Zuma had been very well behaved, saying that normally when the ANC leader got on to a platform, he liked to dance. – Sapa