Leaders from 24 churches are to approach President Thabo Mbeki to discuss how they could help to fight crime in South Africa, a spokesperson said on Tuesday.
”Leaders of some of the country’s major Christian denominations met last week for a special consultation aimed at getting involved in lessening violence and crime in the nation,” said spokesperson Dr Coenie Burger in a statement released on Tuesday.
The forum of church leaders agreed to appoint a steering committee to address the issue.
Its agenda would be to meet with President Thabo Mbeki; seek out alliances with business and civil society structures, including police and government; challenge churches to get more involved by offering support to victims and strengthening messages of hope; compile a ”to do” list of suggestions for greater community involvement; and call for an expert analysis of the complexity of violence and crime.
”This impartial and transparent analysis will assist all role players to work on a unified campaign to assist the South African Police Service and relevant government departments in tackling the problems,” said Burger.
Last week’s meeting in Kempton Park, convened by Burger on behalf of the Family of Dutch Reformed Churches and chaired by Bishop Ivan Abrahams of the Methodist Church, brought together 24 major denominations and Christian organisations, who jointly expressed ”grave concern” for the levels of violence and crime ”crisis” in the country.
Abrahams and other church leaders said the church could no longer tolerate the wanton disregard for human life and property. ”We need to restore a sense of dignity, respect for life and encourage a culture of peace,” he said.
The Institute for Security Studies and the Business Leaders Forum were also present at the meeting. — Sapa