FAITH-BASED LEADERS’ MEETING

RAMPANT sexual abuse in churches will be top of the discussion when about 100 faith-based leaders meet tonight.

#NotInMyName, a group of men against woman and child abuse, have organised men of the cloth, traditional healers, Jews, Muslims, Rastafarians and Hindus, among others, to a roundtable discussion aimed at addressing the abuse of power and religion perpetuated by some errant spiritual leaders on congregants. Former SABC boss Hlaudi Motsoeneng is also expected to grace the event in his capacity as a pastor.

“We have seen a huge increase in cases of sexual abuse in our church, the latest one being that of Pastor Timothy Omotoso (currently on trial for sex trafficking). We decided to take a stand because churches are supposed to be to a safe place and preachers are meant to spread the word of God, but some of them are taking advantage of the positions they occupy,” said #NotInMyName secretarygeneral Themba Masango yesterday.

He said they had approached Paseka Motsoeneng, popularly known as Prophet Mboro, who leads the Incredible Happenings, a church based in Ekurhuleni.

“We went to him seeking advice on how to deal with this onslaught faced by women. He came up with the idea of a supper setting for various faith-based leaders,” said Masango, adding that Prophet Mboro was sponsoring the event, held at the Elia Mediterranean Restaurant in Alberton tonight.

“It’s time we all join hands and bring churches, mosques and temples to where they are meant to be. Let’s all support #NotInMyName,” said Mboro.

Bishop Julius Moloi, president of the Christian Ministers Council of Southern Africa, said they backed the initiative and would not allow abuse of congregants in their name.