SOWETAN NEWS

Don't abuse beliefs - ZCC

By Sibongile Mashaba | Feb 19, 2016 | 

Zion Christian Church leader Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane came out strongly against pastors who abuse people's belief systems in the name of religion.

Addressing the media after the church made an "impressive" presentation to the commission investigating the commercialisation of religion in Polokwane yesterday, Lekganyane said Jesus could perform miracles.

"I believe Jesus Christ could make miracles. Only God can make miracles. So, it is difficult to say whether people make miracles or not... [However], they must not abuse the beliefs of their congregants," Lekganyane said.

He said it was not fair for other church leaders to refuse to cooperate with the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities.

"If you are operating in the environment where you have your things in front of you where everybody can see, then why should you hide it," Lekganyane said.

Since the investigations started only two pastors from Gauteng have refused to cooperate with the commission.

Prophet Samuel Radebe of the Revelation Church of God and Incredible Happenings Ministries leader prophet Paseka Motsoeneng declined to testify before the commission. Criminal cases have been opened against them.

Addressing the commission, Pakane Motau said the church collects R14 each month from young members towards the contribution of the water bill, office equipment and stationery.

This is despite the church collecting offerings from an estimated 10-million members during services.

Motau said the members fell under the Masogwana le Makgarebe (young men and women) scheme.

"They [members] take part in contributing a minimal amount towards certain activities within the church. We've got what we call offerings in our church. The ZCC does not fund raise. It relies on the generosity of volunteers," he said.

"Traditionally, ZCC members understand that the church and its local branches need to be maintained and well looked after hence they offer unconditionally, at any rate, at any amount they believe is worth being offered ," Motau said.

Reverend Emmanuel Motolla said the church used water, coffee and tea to bring healing to the masses.

"For healing, we use free blessed water. We use blessed tea, blessed coffee.

"We even use blessed salt. All these are used in accordance to the guidance from the prophecy under close supervision," said Motolla.

He said all water has to be boiled first before it can be consumed.

"Water is not sold, blessed or not. The role of water in the ZCC is to implement taelo (a religious command)," said Motolla.

He said the tea and coffee were among ditaelo that are consumed as per advise from the prophecy but with the emphasis that the tea and coffee have to be blessed.

"Whereas the church has customised a particular brand of tea or coffee, the recipient of taelo can utilise any brand of tea which will have to be blessed or prayed for first before it is used."

SOURCE: Sowetan

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