The Central Committee of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) this week called for renewed engagement with the Afrikaner community, emphasizing the need to address those issues that "make some South Africans feel like outsiders in their own land".

In his address to the annual meeting of delegates from the SACC's 24 member denominations, the General Secretary of the Council, the Rev Dr Molefe Tsele, said: "For us, it is significant that these groups are receiving impulses for their activities from Biblical teachings. It is also significant that they are members of our churches, more especially the NGK family of churches. We need to ask ourselves what role can we play to assist these groups to reconcile with the reality of our new dispensation."

Whilst acknowledging that there will inevitably be a minority in any society that feels alienated from the mainstream, the Central Committee expressed concern that a failure to take seriously the grievances of the Afrikaner community will contribute to an atmosphere in which right-wing organizations, such as the Boeremag, will thrive.

In the interests of the long-term success and stability of peace and democracy in South Africa, Central Committee delegates asked the SACC to initiate a process of engaging the Afrikaner community in order to minister to and build bridges with those who share the sentiments of the Boeremag.

The Reconciliation and Healing Unit of the SACC, which is headed by Canon Luke Pato, will facilitate the initiative.

For further information contact Dr Molefe Tsele 011 241 7817