President Thabo Mbeki meets leaders of
Religious Communities, 3 April 2001The
leaders of 30 of South Africa's major religious communities met with President Mbeki at
Union Buildings this afternoon. Christian denominations, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Bahai's
and African Traditional beliefs were all represented.
The President raised five central issues which focused the
discussion on the common quest of government and religion to transform South African
society. These included accelerating the process of building a non-racial united nation;
to enhance programmes to eradicate poverty; to develop the capacity of government; moral
regeneration; and to participate in the renewal of the African continent.
Discussion ranged over a wide range of related subjects
including:
Ways to accomplish the moral regeneration of
our society demanded by crime, corruption and violence;
A commitment to social and spiritual
transformation of the nation which goes beyond party or denominational differences; and
The necessity of close cooperation between
government and religious bodies in analysing the causes and seeking the solution to
poverty, racism and moral regeneration.
Differences and difficulties were frankly recognised, as
were ways in > which common supportive activities could be undertaken. There was
unanimous agreement that much closer communication be established between Government and
the Religious Communities on specific matters affecting the transformation of our country.
More structured interaction is envisaged to this end between the Presidency and the
National Religious Leaders Forum.
Enquiries: Bheki Khumalo on 083 200 1900 or 012 337
5227
Issued by: The Presidency, 3 April 2001 |
