There are important discussions are taking place in South Africa right now around the South African Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities’ (CRL) proposed regulation of churches and religious freedom.

The CRL is currently working on a draft regulatory framework for the Christian sector.

If accepted and implemented, this will require religious entities to register with government.

“A number of churches and Christian organisations have raised serious concerns about where this process could lead and what it could mean for the freedom and independence of churches in South Africa,” said Pastor Ryan Langkilde, who serves on the The South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF) board.

Langkilde was a speaker at the Freedom of Religion Church Leaders Meeting at New Life Church on October 21 and said: “We believe pastors need to understand what is happening and know what their rights are. For many years, churches in South Africa have enjoyed the freedom to preach the Gospel, gather, worship and lead their churches without unnecessary government control. We want to understand how to protect that freedom for the future.”

He explained that the CRL has initiated a process to explore ‘self-regulation within the Christian sector’ through a Section 22 committee.

“As the process is still evolving, it is important that churches understand what is being proposed and have their voices heard,” Langkilde said.

“We want to encourage churches to become actively involved. Church leaders can get involved by educating themselves, engaging with the proposed framework, participating in consultation opportunities, and working together to ensure that the voices of local churches are represented. We have a responsibility to stand for religious freedom, protect the autonomy of the church, and uphold biblical truth while ensuring that our ministries operate with integrity and accountability.”

“The church cannot afford to be uninformed or disengaged. This is a time for unity, prayer, informed action and courageous leadership. Let us stand together to protect our freedom of religion and help shape the future of the church in South Africa,” he added.

Jan Pretorius from SACOFF attended the meeting and gave valuable insight into the proposed regulation.

Pastor Bert Pretorius, president of SACOFF, national called on all churches to unite and cautioned that the church cannot remain on the sidelines when decisions affecting the community are being made.

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