STATE INTENT TO CAPTURE RELIGION

On the CRL Rights Commission’s investigation into the “commercialization” of religion and abuse of people’s belief systems, the ACDP note the following:

1. While we understand that it is not correct for religious leaders, or any other figure of authority for that matter, to abuse their positions for selfish gain, we believe that that the recommendations in the final report of the Commission infringes on the religious freedom of the church, which is enshrined in the constitution of South Africa. It is the belief of the ACDP that religious freedom should be just that; free and free from interference by the State.

2. The ACDP further notes that the CRL Rights commission indicates on p24 of its report that it “respects the right to religious freedom in all its dimensions as protected in sections 15 and 31 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and as explained further in the Charter of Religious Rights and Freedoms.” Furthermore, on p31 of its report, the Commission, in motivating for a New Regulation, states that “The Religious Sector needs the powers to regulate itself…” This self regulation of the Religious Sector is contradicted by the Commission when it states on p24 that “much of what needs to be done, can only be achieved through cooperation between the State, the CRL Rights Commission, and the religious sectors. The Commission proposes that there should be “umbrella organizations” or associations in place for the traditional structured religions. These ” umbrella” bodies however, should be recognized and empowered by the State. This is not self regulation but State regulation, which will bring with it a myriad of Doctrinal and practical challenges if implemented. This is particularly true in the light of the fact that there are some 40 000 denominations in existence today.

3. Errant ministers, who bring the Gospel into disrepute, should not be allowed to hide behind the banner of Freedom of Religion. The ACDP believes that there are sufficient laws in place which govern the functioning of NPO’s, PBO’s and NPC’s, by which means many churches are registered. Rather than additional regulation, we call for the implementation and enforcement of the existing laws. In addition, if the CRL Rights Commission is serious about its responsibility of protecting religious rights, it would do well to spend its resources in educating and empowering those who fall short with the current legislation, thereby assisting them to become compliant.

4. Finally, the ACDP believes that it is the responsibility of the Church, not the State to expose, name, mark and judge those within our ranks, who have deviated from the sound teaching found within the Scriptures.

The ACDP call on all God fearing citizens of our beautiful country to stand together in preserving religious freedom and to make a difference, in rejecting the recommendations of the CRL Rights Commission.

About Jameel Essop

Jameel Essop, born on the 12 March 1981 in Durban; Chatsworth. With a family background of near nothing to write home about, Jameel Essop rose from the dunghill to a position of influence. As God would have it, Jameel Essop was born into a typical muslim family, and thereafter family estrangement occurred due to the fact that he became a christian. Nonetheless, Jameel Essop, like the biblical Joseph believes that he is the forerunner of his extended family to bring salvation to them. As a former entrepreneur; "Unusual Alliance" raised and trained many emerging entrepreneurs with accurate and sound business concepts. Jameel Essop loves humanity and very emotional about certain causes, the elderly, the abandoned children, the abuse against women and the exploitation of human beings. Serving as the Deputy Chairperson of Stop Human Trafficking Now and the Kwazulu-Natal Human Trafficking; Harmful Traditions; Prostitution, Pornography & Brothel Task Team member, Mr Essop addressed many societal challenges and injustice. As an emerging leader, Jameel Essop rose into the political spectrum, from a branch chairman, to other roles such as Provincial Elections Mananger; Provincial Executive Committee Member, Strategic Planning, Communications etc. Currently, Jameel Essop serves the African Christian Democratic Party as the chairperson in Kwazulu-Natal. He is a councillor in the eThekwini Municipality. Jameel Essop believes that God had raised Him to Impact the City and Influence the Nation. Furthermore, he has a passion to see the reformation of the church and the transformation of lives. Jameel believes that the church must return to biblical accuracy and arise into becoming the pivotal tool in the hands of God for National Transformation. For such an hour, God had brought Jameel Essop into the kingdom. We will see an emerging leadership arise in the church. We will see a New South Africa, built with good governance, ethical & sound policies benefiting the nation. This South Africa will be governed by God scepter, His sons and daughters that manifest righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit. Finally, almost a year ago, he had met an amazing and beautiful young lady; Ms Tamlyn Naidoo. Both carrying a commonality, the reformation of the church and transformation of lives is pivotal. In this transition towards a greater future, both have become a beakon of hope and strength to each other.

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