The National Executive Committee of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) discussed a range of national and regional issues at its quarterly meeting yesterday, including the persistently high levels of violence in the nation and the forthcoming elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The church leaders expressed deep concern about the prevalence of violence in South African society, especially the seemingly endemic violence against women, children and older people. "Violence is an assault on human dignity," observed Prof. Russel Botman, the Council's President, in remarks to the NEC.

"We have reached a point where people do not feel safe, even in their own homes. If someone breaks into your house, you are at risk because your life is often worth less to a robber than your television. Many women and children continue to face the greatest threat of violence from members of their own households."

The NEC asked the Bishop Ivan Abrahams, convener of the SACC's Church Leaders Forum, to give the issues of violence and protection of human dignity priority on the agenda of the next Forum meeting, scheduled for mid-July. They also decided to make violence the focal point of the Council's annual Month of Compassion in August. The SACC will work with church leaders to develop liturgical and theological materials around the issue for use in churches throughout the month.

The Executive responded favourably to the Minister of Foreign Affairs' invitation to the Council to nominate representatives to take part in a South African national delegation to observe the parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled to take place in the DRC in late July. The NEC agreed to select a team that will include both prominent members of the clergy as well as five lay democracy activists from around the country. The observer mission is expected to be the DRC for three weeks beginning in mid-July.

The NEC received a report on last week's meeting between officials of the Council and the National Union of Mineworkers at which NUM President Senzeni Zokwana apologised unreservedly for his recent remarks ridiculing notions of public morality and attacking Christian values and beliefs in particular. Members of the Executive accepted Zokwana's apology and commended him for tendering it in person. However, the NEC also asked the NUM to provide a written apology.

Much of the NEC's agenda was given over to organizational matters, including preparations for the Council's annual Central Committee meeting on 11-12 July. The Executive approved a theme for the event - "Towards Abundant Life: Accelerating and Sharing Growth?". It also made plans to acknowledge formally the recent transition in the office of the General Secretary by holding an installation service for the new General Secretary, Mr. Eddie Makue, and a gala dinner to say farewell to the former incumbent, the Rev. Dr. Molefe Tsele.

For more information contact: Mr. Eddie Makue (082 853 8781)