OGOD vs Laerskool Randhart & Others - Case Update

FOR SA’s Legal Counsel appeared on behalf of one of the “Friends of the Court”, in OGOD’s application to remove Christianity from all South African public schools in the Johannesburg High Court recently.

FOR SA’s Advocate Nadene Badenhorst was part of the legal team of one of the “Friends of the Court”, putting forward strong arguments against OGOD’s request for a Court Order that will (if granted) severely limit the right to freedom of religion in the context of our public schools. OGOD, which is a secular atheist organisation, claims that it wants to see equal treatment of religion in schools, but it is evident from their arguments before the court that the outcome they desire is no Christianity in schools. Although this case only involves six public schools with a Christian ethos, the result will affect all 24,000+ public schools in SA. This case was argued from 15-17 May in the Johannesburg High Court in front of three judges, and judgement has been reserved. This means that they will take time to deliberate their judgement which will likely only be published in a few months’ time. Regardless of the outcome, this case will certainly be appealed and probably ultimately be decided by the Constitutional Court. This is something for prayer, since it has the potential to fundamentally affect the learning environment of the children of this country for many years to come. FOR SA will continue to be engaged in this case, so your prayers and financial support for FOR SA is very important.