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South African Churches urged to act on rape crisis


From Worldwide Faith News <wfn@wfn.org>
Date 02 Dec 1999 22:47:59

1 December 1999

Cape Town - South African public opinion is expressing mounting outrage at
the horrifying prevalence of rape in the country.
Some reports suggest that a woman is raped every 26 seconds somewhere in
the country.

Recently, a priest at St George's Anglican Cathedral was suspended from all
church duties after being found guilty of sexual misconduct by a church
tribunal. The victim has declined to press civil charges of rape. A
minister in an Afrikaans church was dismissed by his Church Council after
being found guilty of sexual misconduct.

The Convenor of the South African Church Leader's Forum, Dr Des van der
Water, General Secretary of the United Congregational Church, said: "We
need to address the general culture of violence, the obsession with power
and the decline in moral awareness in sexual matters that are part of our
national make-up.

"The church confesses with shame that some of its clergy and lay leaders
have been found guilty of sexual crimes. It is a problem that affects us
all.

"Our church leaders must condemn rape as a violation of God's purpose. We
need to show total compassion to all affected by these acts, and join other
faith communities in giving moral guidance to society.

Rev Dave Wanless - Coordinator: Ecumenical News Network southern Africa
Tel & Fax: +27 (21) 683-9665
Cell: 082 958-6482
E-mail: davecong@mweb.co.za
Website: www.uccsa.co.za


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