Bellavista men's seminar prays for 12 murdered Ekurhuleni women
The Word of Life Royal International Church seminar focused on biblical manhood, accountability and leading with love.
Word of Life Royal International Church in Bellavista hosted its second annual men’s seminar on October 2, with a strong focus on biblical manhood and a call for men to stand against gender-based violence and femicide.
This year’s seminar was led by Bishop Mark van Rooyen, who spoke on the theme ‘The Quintessential Man’ and the topic ‘The guest line is always changing. You are on the original list’.
A total of 80 men attended the event, which also included a fellowship lunch served at the church.
Ekurhuleni murders
The seminar took place against the backdrop of the killing of 12 women in the Ekurhuleni area in less than two months since July.
The congregation prayed for a breakthrough in the investigation and for peace for the families of the victims.
The tragedy has prompted national outcry and a presidential address on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that GBV is rooted in beliefs that treat women as subordinate and that men and boys must lead the efforts to end it.
Leading with love
In response, Van Rooyen challenged the men at the conference on what biblical manhood looks like in a time of crisis.
“The quintessential man does not abuse, does not remain silent, and does not look away. He protects, he leads with love, and he holds other men accountable,” Van Rooyen said.
The event was described as a huge success, with attendees already asking when the next seminar will be held.
For more information on the church or about future events, contact men’s fellowship leader Selvan Moonsamy on 066 551 0456.
