South African Christian Ministers Council and Church of Scientology Strengthen Interfaith Collaboration for Community Empowerment

The South African Christian Ministers Council (SACMIC), an influential interfaith body uniting clergy across South Africa’s Christian denominations, hosted a significant Sunday service in Mahikeng to close its annual conference.

Mahikeng, North West, South Africa – November 14, 2024 —

Mahikeng, North West Province, South Africa – The South African Christian Ministers Council (SACMIC), an influential interfaith body uniting clergy across South Africa’s Christian denominations, hosted a significant Sunday service in Mahikeng to close its annual conference. As part of the important event, SACMIC awarded a special medal to L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology, as a testament to the Church’s ongoing commitment to social betterment, marking a high point in SACMIC’s mission to foster unity among faith organizations.

Building a United Faith Community

The event, led by SACMIC President and Founder Bishop Daniel Matebesi, brought together over 300 attendees, including religious leaders from eight provinces and notable public figures such as Honorable Elizabeth Mokua, Executive Member for Public Works in North West Province, and former North West Premier, Professor Job Mokgoro. This diverse representation underscored the conference’s purpose: to advance interfaith collaboration that addresses pressing social issues and promotes community welfare.

SACMIC represents the voices of Christian denominations from across South Africa, including major organizations like the Methodist, Lutheran, and Reformed Churches, as well as African-rooted churches such as the Zion Christian Church, with over 5 million members. Under the leadership of Bishop Matebesi, SACMIC has championed the value of collective action, empowering faith leaders to address issues such as poverty, crime, and education through united efforts.

In his opening address, Bishop Matebesi shared his vision of a South Africa where faith communities, regardless of denomination, come together to uplift society. “The future of our nation depends on the combined strength of our faith communities,” he said. “When we unite, we create an unstoppable force for good, addressing critical issues and serving as a beacon of hope and support.”

Faith in Action: The Tools for Life Program

Two years ago, SACMIC initiated a partnership with the Scientology Volunteer Ministers, collaborating through the “Tools for Life” program, which provides practical training in skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and disaster response. Hundreds of SACMIC members have utilized to support and uplift communities across South Africa. Through this training, SACMIC members are equipped to tackle day-to-day challenges within their congregations, from literacy education to family support services, empowering them to lead transformative change. 

Reflecting on the impact of this partnership, Scientology Representative, Markus Neuweiler shared, “Through partnerships like this, we witness the power of united faith communities to effect positive, tangible change. It is our shared belief in a brighter future for South Africa that drives us forward.”

A Call to Faith Leaders Across South Africa

The partnership between SACMIC and the Scientology Volunteer Ministers embodies the larger vision of interfaith unity that Bishop Matebesi has championed since SACMIC’s founding. Recognizing the need for proactive responses to issues like crime, education, and poverty, he has led initiatives such as Spiritual Crime Prevention, a collaboration between the South African Police Service and religious leaders that promotes crime prevention through spiritual and moral education.

Bishop Matebesi is a well-respected figure nationwide. Hosting a popular weekly radio show that reaches 1.5 million listeners, he alsoserves on South Africa’s Presidential Interfaith Council. His advocacy for interfaith collaboration has inspired partnerships with diverse religious organizations, expanding SACMIC’s impact across the nation.

A Model for Faith-Based Solutions and Lasting Social Change

By joining forces, SACMIC and the Church of Scientology are setting a new precedent on how faith organizations can make a measurable difference. The medal presented to L. Ron Hubbard symbolizes not only recognition of his contributions to humanitarian work but also a larger tribute to what faith communities can achieve when they work in harmony. This growing alliance between SACMIC and the Church of Scientology signals the power of faith-based solutions in addressing the core needs of communities across South Africa.

Looking forward, SACMIC and the Scientology Volunteer Ministers envision expanded collaborative efforts, such as launching additional training programs in underserved areas and mobilizing more interfaith initiatives aimed at uplifting vulnerable communities. As SACMIC and the Church of Scientology continue to work together, they exemplify the potential of faith-based initiatives to tackle pressing social issues, paving the way for a more connected and empowered South Africa.

The ceremony’s conclusion served as a call to action for all faith leaders in South Africa to embrace unity, share resources, and work collectively toward a better future. As Bishop Matebesi expressed in closing, “The faith community’s strength lies in unity. Together, we can create a South Africa where hope, support, and transformation reach every corner of society.”

About the company: The Church of Scientology in South Africa at Castle Kyalami is a sanctuary for Scientologists across the African continent, embodying L. Ron Hubbard’s vision of ideal Church facilities that support spiritual growth and community engagement. Beyond serving as a religious retreat, our Church is a hub for humanitarian and community outreach, partnering with individuals and organizations dedicated to creating a better Africa and a better world. We are committed to fostering a civilisation of peace, prosperity, and freedom, where people of all backgrounds can work together to uplift one another and achieve a common dream of lasting harmony and spiritual freedom.

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