ECC: We’re body of Christ, represent everyone
MBABANE – ECC has come out to defend itself following allegations that they have been silenced by the Tinkundla Government.
The allegations against the Eswatini Conference of Churches (ECC) were reportedly made by one of the clergymen at Hosea during an event organised in honour of the incarcerated pro-democracy Members of Parliament (MPs) Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube.
The apostle said he was an active member of ECC but decided to quit the organisation after it was silenced by the regime and its loyalists.
When reached for comment following the allegations, ECC Vice President Reverend Sabelo Mdluli said they were not quiet and either were they benefitting anything.
“We are a body of Christ and represent everyone. The organisation is praying and also doing other things to respond to the situation without taking sides.”
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Themba Ngozo said ECC issued a statement last year, which they still stood by.
According to the statement, ECC made some recommendations on the present crisis.
The recommendations included, among others, advocating for amicable dialogue in order to objectively and intelligently reach a consensus. They also strongly suggested that the leaders of concerned constituencies should instill peace in order to achieve the objectives of the dialogue.
Furthermore, ECC mentioned that their commitment as part of the three church mother bodies, with whom they had been working together smoothly in other concerns of national interest, was to assist with whatever role they were required to do in the peace process.
Submissions
In their submissions made in the statement, ECC mentioned that they were urged by the Word of God to pray consistently and seriously for the nation, its leadership and populace as instructed by God in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 where God says: “Petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people, for Kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
They stated that the Bible instructed them to obey government as stated in 1 Peter 2:13.
The CEO said God instituted government for the society’s good, to maintain order, punish evil, praising those who did well and provided services to the population.
However, he said if the State required obedience to a law that clearly violated the higher law of God, then it may be God’s will to resist government.
Furthermore, the ECC stated that they believed in transformational development, which was a process through which people moved towards the fullness of life in Christ with dignity, peace and justice.
“Where there are broken relationships and misunderstanding between people, we encourage peaceful dialogues.”
The statement further notes that government and those seeking political reforms should therefore commit to engaging in a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders in the country, including political parties (though not recognised), women’s and youth movements, church mother bodies, trade unions, civil society organisations and agree to accept the outcome of a national dialogue.