CRL NATIONAL CONSULTATIVE CONFERENCE & RHEMA NATIONAL SUMMIT OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS

VERY IMPORTANT AND URGENT:As communicated earlier this week, the CRL Rights Commission (CRL) has called a National Consultative Conference (NCC) inPretoria on25 – 26 February 2019. (See the CRL’s notice published in the newspaper on Sunday, 27 January 2019, at the bottom of this message).FOR SA is writing to the CRL to request the agenda for the conference, but we have no doubt that the issue of regulation of religion will be discussed and that the objective is to get “buy-in” from the religious community for a law to be passed, regulating the practising of religion in South Africa.This is probably the most serious threat to religious freedom that the Church in South Africa has faced to date.In the circumstances, we strongly advise and encourage every religious organisation who shares our grave concern for the future of religious freedom and the Church in South Africa, to:

1. As a matter of urgency and without delay, nominate a high-level representative to attend the NCC. It appears that seating is limited, and it could potentially be disastrous if – because of limited seating capacity – organisations who are not in support of regulation of religion, are excluded from the conference. The deadline for nominations is 8 February, but we advise that you send it within the next day. IMPORTANT: The e-mail address in the CRL’s published notice (ncc@crlrightscommission.org.za) does not seem to work. Please make sure to copy the e-mail to Mr Obed Somono’s direct e-mail address at Obed@crlcommission.org.za
2. In anticipation of the NCC, also attend the national summit of religious and church leaders convened by pastor Ray McCauley (in his capacity as Chair of the National Religious Leaders Council)  at Rhema (Hans Schoeman Street, Randburg) on 13 February from 09:00am. (For more info about the summit, see https://forsa.org.za/proposed-national-summit-for-religious-leaders-in-2019/). In this regard, please register your intention to attend the summit, by sending an e-mail to Giet Khosa at gietk@rhema.co.za and cc’d to lorraineg@rhema.co.za
3. With a view to further informational and strategic communication in this regard, we would appreciate it if you were to also let us know (at legal@forsa.org.za) if you intend to attend the NCC and/or the Rhema meeting.

Please considersupporting FOR SA financiallyas we are 100% dependent upon donations to enable us to continue to fulfil our mandate to protect and promote our constitutional rights to freedom of religion so that the Gospel can be freely proclaimed and lived out in our daily lives without fear or hindrance.Your financial support is critical for our continued existence!We look forward to continuing to partner with you in this cause!Warm regards,Michael SwainExecutive Director, FOR SA