CRL Report on Regulation of Religion - Update

by Adv Nadene Badenhorst, Legal Counsel, FOR SALast week, we reported on the recent meeting with religious and traditional leaders to discuss the outcome of the CRL Rights Commission’s investigation into the ‘commercialisation’ of religion and abuse of people’s belief systems, and in particular the Commission’s proposed regulation of religion. (See link to the article here.)At the meeting, the Commission undertook that it would send the Report to religious and traditional leaders within 2 – 3 days (i.e. by last week Friday). Following a query by Freedom of Religion South Africa (FOR SA) earlier this week as to when the Report can be expected, the Commission advised that "the reason behind the delay, is to effect some of the proposals raised during the meeting. We hope that the Report shall be sent to you before the end of this week. Kindly remember that the 3 weeks for further comments only commences on the day that we would have sent you the Report." As of publication of this article, the Report has not yet been made available.Pursuant to its article on the proposed regulation of religion a week ago (referred to above), FOR SA has been inundated with e-mails from religious leaders, expressing their concerns about the proposed regulation of religion in South Africa and giving their support to the organisation, so that we can speak as a strong and united voice on this issue of regulation which will radically affect and alter the religious landscape of our country. As the proposals of the Commission will affect (the institutional freedom of) every church, and every pastor, in South Africa, we need every church and every pastor to stand with us for freedom (from State interference).Again, given the tight timelines involved in this matter and the urgent need for religious leaders to mobilise on this issue, we would appreciate it if you were to contact us at legal@forsa.org.za and let us have your contact details (your name, the name of the religious organisation that you are representing, telephone number and e-mail address) as soon as possible, so that we can send you a copy of the CRL’s Report as soon as we receive it and engage you in the discussions thereon. Support FOR SAFreedom of Religion South Africa (FOR SA) is dedicated to protecting and preserving the freedoms and rights that the South African Constitution has granted to the faith community. You can join this struggle and help FOR SA protect our freedom by

• Praying for us as we defend this precious freedom before government and courts of law;
• Signing up (at no cost) to FOR SA, and subscribing to our Newsletter, at forsa.org.za;
• Following us, and sharing our posts, on Facebook at “Freedom of Religion SA”;
• Informing us, should you become aware of any case in which religious freedom is threatened;
• Making a financial contribution to FOR SA

As a non-profit organisation, we are entirely dependent upon God’s grace for finances. Your generosity will help make a significant difference as we work to fulfil our mission to keep the doors open for the Gospel by advocating for religious freedom. We appreciate every gift, big or small![author] [author_image timthumb='on']https://forsa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/nadene-badenhorst.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Having obtained a BA LLB degree from the University of Stellenbosch, Nadene was awarded a scholarship to study a LL M degree in International Human Rights Law at the University of Essex, United Kingdom which she obtained cum laude.[/author_info] [/author]