PREMIER Supra Mahumapelo has called on churches to work together with government in rooting out immorality in communities.
Mahumapelo said that churches will always form part of politics as they not operate in a vacuum.
He said this during an address to more than 300 women at Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa (ELCSA) in Madikwe circuit during their three day conference held in Pella village outside Rustenburg.
“Churches are a public service to the surrounding communities. They provide just about everything. Our people are members of various churches and whatever happens politically indirectly affects them. So to those who say politics and churches cannot go along they do not know what they talking about.
“All challenges that are facing our province, also affect church goers. The key issue is that churches can help in building our society. So churches will always form part of the society and must always be transparent within their communities,” Mahumapelo said.
He said the province experienced trials and tribulations in the past. According to Mahumapelo the situation has improved since the introduction of Renewal, Healing and Reconciliation programme.
“Youth need to form part of churches as that could assist them in choosing positive life-styles. The church is like a moral regeneration movement. It is the best networking platform that can facilitates and coordinates all processes and initiatives aimed at combating moral degeneration. They are civil society-driven initiative that must be supported by the government.
“The churches provide the opportunity to redouble our efforts as a full partnership of the people. Churches allow us to pay special attention to the issues of development, social cohesion, and nation building. As the government, we also support traditional and cultural programmes,” he said.
Moses Kotane local municipality mayor, Fetsang Makgati shared the same sentiments. She said most people tend to forget about church when life is good. However she urged all communities to attend churches as that will bring them closer to God.
“We do not have to wait until something happens that turns our lives upside down. Churches will continue to be part of our lives. They always play a pivotal role, so let’s not cause a major shift in church assessment. We will achieve our mark as provincial government if we work together with all institutions within our proximity,” Makgati said.
ELCSA regional chairperson, Lydia Pelesa said they invited Mahumapelo to the church as part of sharing ideas. She said they wanted to be part of the changes in the province.
“We are very excited as we understand Mahumapelo’s vision now. We invited him over to our church conference so that he could share his vision. We also believe that churches can assist in build the society. Churches offer delightful assistance, whether it is in the form of prayers or social responsibility projects. Making a difference in people’s everyday lives will benefit the believers as well as the community. When the church is rooted deeply in its community, it impacts positively in the lives of the people. People need to have their spiritual, emotional and physical needs met.
“We are living in perilous and drastic times. Drastic times call for drastic measures. Targeted small groups should be implemented in churches to be available to meet the needs in each believer’s life. Irrespective of church size, each church can provide effective small group ministries and outreach services,” He said.
“Our youth are engaged in alcohol and drug abuse, crime, unemployment and teenage pregnancy. HIV and Aids continues to ravage our youth. We need to pray for all of that. This momentum can then spread out beyond the walls of the church and be incorporated into the community where the church serves. To the best of its ability, the church can provide services, counselling and advice to those in need,” Pelesa added.
-TDN
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