BREAKING NEWS: Ray McCauley mediates between politicians
RANDPARK RIDGE – Popular pastor tries to ease tension between members of Parliament.
Pastor Ray McCauley, leader of the Rhema Bible Church, Randpark Ridge, is involved in an effort to mediate between disagreeing members of Parliament. McCauley is negotiating as co-chairperson of the National Religious Leaders Council (NRLC), his church said in a media statement on 10 February. The statement said that these mediations have gone well, although an agreement will not be reached before the State of the Nation Address on 12 February.
Mediations will continue after the opening of Parliament. “Our intervention was occasioned by the hostilities which threatened the functioning of Parliament,” McCauley said. “What we saw happening in Parliament last year was of great concern to religious leaders. While we should encourage robustness in Parliament, it is our view that some of the exchanges and behaviour we saw went beyond the bounds of decency, courtesy and the decorum of Parliament.”
The statement continued that the NRLC’s mediations are based on two principles: The President, and any Member of the Executive, have the right to address Parliament without being interrupted or subjected to abuse or disrespect of any kind. Furthermore, the Opposition has the right to raise questions and demand accountability from the Executive and that the latter have a duty to answer such questions.
The statement then said that the NRLC appeals to “all political parties in Parliament to treat the occasion [State of the Nation Address] with the respect it deserves”.
Details: Rhema Bible Church church@rhema.co.za, 011 796 4000.
