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REUTERS
A religious row has erupted on the eve of the ANC’s centenary celebrations over the party’s plans to slaughter a cow and commune with the ancestors this weekend.
African Christian Democratic Party leader Rev Kenneth Meshoe has turned down his invitation as an opposition party leader to attend the festivities in the belief that invoking the spirits of dead leaders will have “devastating consequences for the country”.
Instead he planned to join other Christian groups outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria today for a 5pm prayer and worship ceremony to “dedicate South Africa to the living God, Jesus Christ”.
ANC chaplain-general Vukile Mehana said he was asking Meshoe to “pray deeply and reflect correctly so that he may reconsider his decision and be part of this historic event of the celebration of the liberation of our people”.
“If the good reverend is not going to honour the invitation simply because of his fundamentalist Christian beliefs, that will show that he is practising religious intolerance – a behaviour which is totally unacceptable and a direct contravention of our constitution as well as the fundamental values and principles of Christianity,” Mehana said.
The centenary celebrations were not about “worshipping ancestors”. and it was “mischievous and misleading” to suggest the ANC favoured one particular faith over others.
“What Reverend Meshoe must learn and understand is that the centenary celebrations are not about worshipping ancestors.
“However, through the ceremonies and services which form part of the centenary programme, the ANC will venerate the spirit of those who were part of its history… there is nothing wrong with the inclusion of African religious beliefs and practices.”
But Meshoe was not persuaded. “Because I love my country I cannot associate with dedicating it to dead people.”
He urged all Christians and other South Africans “who love the country” to join in prayer “to do what is right, because what the ANC is doing is wrong”.
He noted that ANC chairwoman Baleka Mbete had said they would invoke the spirits of the ancestors to come help the country. “My only concern is that it will have devastating consequences for South Africa.”
Meshoe claimed the quake in Haiti showed the dangers of invoking spirits and that Nigeria was suffering economically because the country was “dedicated to the ancestors”.
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Anonymous, wrote
The last time i checked Maria is dead and is also worshiped by Christians. She is referred to as a saint by the catholics, so please shut up Mr Meshoe!!!!.
Anonymous, wrote
I totally agree with Rev Meshoe, the appeasing of the ancestors (dead people) won't bring the good to our country. The problem is that ANC think that they brought freedom to our country and that is why they think that wasting the country money (through corruption) is way to reward themselves but what I know is that God delivered South Africa form the hands of apartheid.Don't be fooled, ancestral worship will only bring disasters to our beautiful country.God hates ancestral worship irrespective of whether is African or cultural or whatsover you call it. All Christian must stand together in prayer for our nation and that God should bring those misleading people to judgetment in 2012.
Mthibolibo, wrote
With his religious intolerance, he is no different to George Bush, Sarah Palin, Bin Laden, Hitler etc
Linda Yates, wrote
Anonymous, Jesus died but rose again. That is why Christians celebrate Easter.
Moloto, wrote
The indespensable President Cde Jacon Gedleyihlekisa Zuma...
Linda Yates, wrote
Rev Meshoe is right.If only the rest of SA's Christians had the guts to speak out like he does! Those who say he is intolerant are confused because the ANC does not have the right to dedicate SA to their ancestors. Anyway, ANC was started by Christians and not the ancestors.
Anonymous, wrote
Well done Rev Meshoe for keeping your Christian values at the top! Why don't the ANC build new homes with water and electricity for needy South Africans instead of "blowing" so much money on a party!!! It makes you realise what their priorities are. ME, ME and ME.
Dave, wrote
I have one wish for 2012: tolerance of others' beliefs - like mine that there are no such things as a god or ancestor - when we're dead we're dead - seeing is believing folks. Could the ANC please throw that in with the mix of celebrating SA's diversity? It's convinient for the ANC to promote the afterlife because it help's them excuse what's going on in the only life we have to live.
joe, wrote
Presicely why Africans never move forward...don't let go of nonsensical traditions. If you love your culture so much then go back to your tribal system which you had before apartheid. We'll find you a spot in the game reserve to build your kraals and revert to the culture you so dearly cherish. You can serve your chief, slaughter cows, not go to school, not have a vote till your hearts' content. What do you idiots really want? Your culture or the culture you bullied your way into on the back of a guilt trip? Please tell us.
Lulama Mseleni, wrote
The statement that had been made by Mr Meshoe is not acceptable especially if he is a reve. He really needs not to choose the line from the bible that will soot him not to respect our ancestors. Even himself he have a family that is no more. One thing though that is confusing is, is he really really not believing on ancestors. A little advise to him he has to consult other revs and ask them to them him read and understand the bible. Please reverand you need to be reminded about the bible. If you don't believe or salute the ancestors who are you to undermine those who do. Please reve
Anonymous, wrote
Refusing an invitation is not intolerance, the fact that it is painted as such is frightening. They will come for the christians, moslems and buddhists who do not democratise themselves sufficiently. It's happening before our eyes people, keep away from the ANC, it's a train wreck about to happen.
sgepp, wrote
and what about the other religious groups ....the hindu's muslims catholics jews etc ...are they part of this celebrations???
Anonymous, wrote
All this talk about praying to dead people....umm isn't jesus dead?
The Gecko, wrote
Mmmm, I wish they could invoke the likes of Biko, Tambo, etc in body, so that they can each give a few of the current leaders a snotklap (I'm sure they would want to). That could have benefited the country immensely...
Christian, wrote
MRG...Isn't Christ an ancestor? The dead?
DD, wrote
LOL! Joe Public you rock and spot on!
Anonymous, wrote
Iam African Christian and I find it amazing how Christians are so intolerate or others its sicking and they always say that they believe in God yet there actions contradict that of the very Bible they read and swear but... Shame certain Christians need to step out of their glass houses for once and see the bigger picture...as the way they believe that means than that every other religion in this world is wrong....
Anonymous, wrote
It is a sad thing to take the country into worshipping the dead. Yes the dead leaders played a tremendous role but they can't help from the grave. We need a living God who can help the nation. I totally agree with the Rev and I am encouraged by the fact that he has spoken against it. Many South Africans are in agreement but would rather keep quiet for the sake of peace - what does it help keeping queit when we see our leaders going tin the wrong direction. Thanks Rev for standing for Godliness
mdk, wrote
I hope they rub the blood of the ox all over their faces. Chances are the participants will all be wearing "western"style clothing instead of blankets and the like. PS - no more invoking Jesus for the ANC.
Anonymous, wrote
The Reverend doth protest too much. Just in case he has forgotten, he is invited as a guest in someone else's party (ANC): surely, he can't dictate what the ANC should or should not do. The only sensible thing for him to do, if he is not happy with the planned programme, is to respectfully decline invitation (and not run to the media to desperage his would-be hosts). Doing what he does now (moaning in the media) caricatures him as an exceedingly demanding guest.
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