An organisation called The South African Church Defenders have called on government to fully protect the constitution of churches. Hundreds of members marched to the Union Buildings against the establishment of the Section 22 Ad-Hoc committee by the CRL Rights Commission.

They’ve accused the commission of trying to control and censor churches.

The committee was established to investigate religious and cultural matters with the aim of protecting congregants from abuse and promoting self-regulation. The group’s representative, Professor Theophilus Mukhuba says the proposed system violates the rights of churches to self-govern.

“The proposed system violates the rights religious freedom, Freedom of Association and the right of church to self-govern. Number 2, unnecessary South Africa already has strong laws to address criminal conducts. The problem lies in enforcement and not in the absence of laws. Religion has never been a defence for crime.”

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