Rivers Church pastor responds to racism allegations

Following the social media uproar which arose against Rivers Church Pastor Andre Olivier on 27 June, who was accused of racism and insensitivity, Olivier spoke about the allegations on Talk Radio 702.

The interview with radio presenter, Xolani Gwala touched on a recent sermon given by Olivier at the Morningside-based Rivers Church where he allegedly said that white people are rich because they worked hard for it, insinuating that black people were lazy. He allegedly added in his sermon that white people do not owe black people anything.

His sermon entitled ‘Overcoming abandonment’, touched on the issue of abandonment and how religion might help someone through difficult situations. He said in the interview that he preached that white people have acquired things because they worked for it.

Olivier added, “I think sensitive hearts have taken this completely out of context, saying I’m a privileged white and that I think people are lazy, I never said that at all. I’m here to build South Africa.”

He said that for years he has spoken up for black people, but he found it unfair to be criticised when he spoke out for white people which he said happens “once in a blue moon”.

There was a great deal of uproar against his sermon and statements during the interview over social media, with others showing support for Pastor Olivier:

#riverschurch pastor also says he has 2 black kids that he looks after, cos you know that means you can't be dodgy. pic.twitter.com/cCD069S3wa

— Gugulethu Mhlungu (@GugsM) June 27, 2016

And if you're returning to #RiversChurch as a Black person, you no longer have a right to judge those eating rats & snakes at their churches

— Flo Letoaba (@floletoaba) June 27, 2016

what happened at #RiversChurch ? Why are Black folk surprised at racism in church/the bible. You do know how Christianity got here right?

— Sebenzile Nkambule (@SebeNkambule) June 27, 2016

I love my church #RiversChurch and & my leaders @AndreGOlivier & @wilmaeolivier!Their heart for all people is huge! #dontjudgewhatudontknow

— Natanya Fugard-Gous (@Nats_Fugard) June 28, 2016

https://twitter.com/ShalomLeo/status/747792418532171777

The message was unsavoury agreed but it definitely was not malicious #riverschurch saga

— Mmatheto ❣️ (@Mmatheto_km) June 28, 2016