SOUTH AFRICA this week passed the test of religious tolerance after a “misunderstanding” about visas almost blocked a visit by controversial Reverend Sun Myung Moon, “messiah” of the Unification Church.
No sooner was Moon allowed into South Africa than his followers showed intolerance of their own. Press photographers were assaulted when they tried to get close to Moon at Johannesburg International Airport.
South African representatives of the church later apologised, saying they had been “tired” after the immigration hassles and that Moon had “scolded” them for their behaviour.
Though membership has been growing in countries like Nigeria and Zaire, Moon claims about 200 “core” members in South Africa and another 12 000 “associate members” who may participate in some church activities.
Moon told his followers on Wednesday: “If South Africa should grasp hold of Reverend Moon more tightly than America, then South Africa can become the world’s leading nation.”