Zuma visits Rhema

[daveza]

http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-03-15-zuma-visits-rhema-prays-for-peaceful-election

Zuma visits Rhema, prays for peaceful election
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA Mar 15 2009 15:52
ANC president Jacob Zuma asked for prayers for a peaceful election during a service at the Rhema Bible Church, in Randburg, on Sunday.

Zuma, who was welcomed with applause, told the congregation that the African National Congress believed in the power of prayer.

"We urge the church to pray for a peaceful and fair election, easy transition into the new government ... and nation building."

"The church has historically played a key role in education and I hope they will continue to do so," he said.

He said the ANC had its roots in the Christian faith, but celebrated and supported all other faiths.

"While there [is] extensive religious diversity, the majority [of members] are Christian," he said.

"The ANC derived its moral vision from the church among other sources and post 2009 elections we will work for a continued partnership with the faith-based sector."

Zuma told the congregation that the ANC needed the support of the church and all faith-based organisations to release the South African people from poverty and all its manifestations.

He said education, and fighting poverty and crime were high on the ANC's agenda.

"The fight against crime is everybody's business. We have to do our share to prevent crime and deal with the consequences."

"We believe the anti-crime plans we are developing will be effective," he said.

Zuma also urged the church to pray for big events coming up in the South Africa calendar.

"We must pray for huge events such as the 2010 Soccer World Cup to succeed. Working together we seek to make South Africa a land of milk and honey."

At the end of Zuma's address, Pastor Ray McCauley prayed for him.

"We pray for peace in our nation ... we pray for our leader and we pray for absolute peace during the election.

"Bless him, keep him protected, guide and lead him," prayed McCauley.

He joked that Zuma had been very well behaved, saying that normally when the ANC leader got on to a platform, he liked to dance. - Sapa

Source: Mail & Guardian Online

But some are not happy ....

http://www.ewn.co.za/articleprog.aspx?id=8813

Members of the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg apparently walked out as Jacob Zuma addressed the congregation on Sunday morning.

The African National Congress leader visited the church as part of his election campaign.

Some members of the congregation were said to have stormed out of Sunday’s service when Zuma started speaking.

One furious woman said, “My question is will the DA be allowed the same opportunity? Will the IFP be allowed the same opportunity? Will COPE be on that stage for a good 40 minutes like Jacob Zuma? And the answer is a big fat ‘no’ and I’m so disgusted

McCauley, Niehaus, Zuma..... So much for seperation of church and state.

 

[waynegohl]

open your cheque books people, you will be blessed.

 

[Good Life]

Praying for a peaceful election ? Is he expecting something ?

 

[Sackboy]

I see nothing wrong with visiting a church. Ready made God-fairing congregation.

 

[Sneeky]

Zuma visits Rhema

looking for money?

 

[daveza]

As long as all the other parties are offered a similar opportunity - but even then a church has no business in political promotions.

 

[daveza]

looking for money?

I would think Rhema learnt their lesson with the previous loan. More likely Zuma had to put a few grand in the tin to say thanks for the opportunity.

 

[Sackboy]

As long as all the other parties are offered a similar opportunity - but even then a church has no business in political promotions.

Jesus was quite political, some say extremely so.

 

[waynegohl]

Jesus was quite political, some say extremely so.

i think he said he came to wage war.

 

[Sackboy]

i think he said he came to wage war.

Maybe, I'm not that Biblically inclined, but he did get his party (disciples) to become fishers of men didn't he? If they had voting they would have done that I suppose.

 

[cmj001]

Guys...

Can anybody tell me whats wrong with Zuma visiting Rhema?

 

[daveza]

What's wrong is that a church is not to be used for electioneering or to promote a single political party.

 

[cmj001]

What's wrong is that a church is not to be used for electioneering or to promote a single political party.

I was under the impression that people that go to church were regular folk like you and I...i.e. the electorate... that is besides the point though...

In reference to your point... I don't see why the DA, COPE or any other political party leader doesn't go to Rhema or any church for that matter to.... maybe pray for peace during the election as an example... or whatever they well please.

If the church folk don't' mind it.... then I don't really see a problem here.

 

[Sackboy]

What's wrong is that a church is not to be used for electioneering or to promote a single political party.

If Zuma thought of the idea first, he's not restricting other parties from doing the same thing.

 

[daveza]

It's fine if they sit in the congregation - but not to stand at the pulpit for 40 minutes.

 

[boramk]

LOL I saw a lot of Cope advertising outside Rhema today
Hadn't a clue Zuma was there!

 

[Sackboy]

It's fine if they sit in the congregation - but not to stand at the pulpit for 40 minutes.

That's about the length of the average attention span (cc school classes).
It was hosted by a pastor and he was a guest speaker. Sounds normal, nothing sinister, they used to do this during apartheid all the time.

 

[daveza]

they used to do this during apartheid all the time.

Indeed.

 

[daveza]

It was hosted by a pastor and he was a guest speaker.

It was hosted by Ray McCauley - friend of the ANC - and he wasn't a guest preacher but the head of a political party and he didn't preach but instead promoted his own party and political agenda.

As far as I understand the congregation were unaware he was going to be there.

At the end of Zuma's address, Pastor Ray McCauley prayed for him.

"We pray for peace in our nation ... we pray for our leader and we pray for absolute peace during the election.

Our leader ?

 

[LazyLion]

The church is for preaching the gospel, ie. the Bible... not having your buddies around and doing them a favour by trying to persuade your congregation to vote for him.

I would have walked out too... and found another church where somebody would preach from the Bible to me.

If I want to listen to Jacob Zuma I will turn on the TV.