Issued by: Northwest Communication Services
The Premier of the North West Mr PS Molefe today (Tuesday) met an interdenominational group of Bishops doing service in the province.
The focus of discussions centred on the relationship between the church and the state and the role the church can play in the reconstruction of the society, particularly in the current political climate.
It was also observed by the meeting political divisions should not be allowed to proliferate disunity and detract from the uniting role the church is committed to.
From the side of the Government: "We shall not use our political power to manipulate the church for our own ends" said Mr Molefe in response to fears church leaders had with the advent of the ANC Government.
The bishops urged the Government to avoid arranging for meetings at times when churches were in session, and in so doing dividing the loyalty of the congregants between God and politicians. Responding to a DRAFT accord read by Dominee K Coetzee, who is the leader of the task team that organised the meeting, it was agreed other denominations not present at the meeting, should be invited to meet the Premier and share in similar discussions.
A follow up meeting will then be held at the Bakubung lodge to discuss the relationship between the Church and Government and the role of the church in the Reconstruction and Development Programme within their own communities.
In concluding the discussions, a Bishop said "This gives us an opportunity to see all that is happening behind President Mandela and the ANC, as he is to us a huge mask that obscures activities within the Government and the ANC".
Contact Mr Willy Modise Cell 082 558 40871 May 1996 21 May 1996