Rhema’s hosting of African National Congress (ANC) president Jacob Zuma gave the church an opportunity to ”minister”, the Rhema church said on Monday.
”Rhema believes the visit by Mr Zuma and his delegation gave the church an opportunity to minister in a significant way to the leader of the ruling party and his colleagues,” said spokesperson Vusi Mona.
He added that Rhema was non-partisan.
”Having said so, the church does have a history of playing a role in our country’s national life and interacting with different political players,” said Mona.
Mona also responded to reports in the media about Rhema’s congregants complaints about Zuma’s visit.
Some of those interviewed said Zuma’s visit was inappropriate as the ANC president had also been campaigning.
On Monday, Business Day reported that about 50 congregants walked out of the service because they were unhappy with Zuma.
Mona acknowledged that some of the congregants left but claimed the number was exaggerated by the media.
”We do care about those members but are nevertheless disappointed by their conduct,” said Mona.
In the Business Day article Mona was quoted as calling those who had left ”statistically insignificant”.
‘Christian roots’
On Sunday Zuma asked for prayers for a peaceful election while attending the Rhema church service in Randburg.
Zuma, who was welcomed with applause, told the congregation that the ANC 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