The National Executive Committee of the South African Council of Churches discussed a wide range of issues during its quarterly meeting in Johannesburg yesterday. In particular, the NEC expressed grave concern about the proliferating signs of moral decay in our society, including such worrying trends as:

• Our casual attitude to greed, poverty and ever-growing levels of economic inequality;
• The frequency and ease with which we resort to crime and violence to achieve selfish objectives at the expense of others;
• The shocking levels of abuse and sexual violence in our homes and communities and the concomitant lack of respect for women and children;
• The rise of a consumer culture that measures human worth in terms of material possessions rather than upholding the dignity of all individuals;
• Our intolerance and hostility towards foreigners or anyone who is different from ourselves.

In the context of this discussion, the NEC also considered once more the vexed question of same-sex relationships. In South Africa, as in many other parts of the world, the debate over legal and social recognition of same-sex relationships often generates more heat than light. The NEC again acknowledged that churches are not at one on this matter. NEC members further noted that such issues, if not handled well, hold the danger of working against Christian unity and solidarity. They urged Christians both within and outside the Council not to allow differences of opinion and interpretation on this particular issue to distract the Church from the pressing concerns of moral regeneration.

The NEC was eager to create further opportunities for Churches to engage in dialogue on morality and values and to discern ways to offer moral leadership to the nation. It appointed a task team responsible for facilitating conversation with ecumenical bodies and assisting the NEC to articulate a clear agenda for national moral regeneration.

Issued on behalf of the NEC by Ms Thabisile Msezane, Senior Vice President

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