SACD SPEAKS OUT! Government Confirms: No CRL Legislative Proposals, No Regulatory Powers Over Churches.

The South African Church Defenders (SACD) welcomes the recent Parliamentary response by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (NW4551E), which confirms:

1. No Legislative Proposals – Since 1 January 2023, the Department has not received any formal legislative proposal, draft bill, or policy framework from the CRL Rights Commission regarding the regulation of religious institutions or their teachings.

2. No Consultations – No interdepartmental consultations have taken place with the Department of Justice or any other department on regulating religious doctrine or teachings.

3. No Regulatory Powers – The CRL Rights Commission has no legal authority to enforce compliance over religious institutions. It only has oversight powers.

4.No Plans to Expand Powers – The Department is not currently planning to expand or amend the powers of the CRL through legislation.

The Minister also reiterated that any future legislation would first be reviewed by the Chief State Law Advisor to ensure it complies with the Constitution’s guarantee of freedom of religion, belief, and opinion (Section 15).

SACD’s Position:

“This confirmation from government reinforces what we have been telling our members and the broader Christian community – the CRL currently has no mandate or legal power to regulate the Church or dictate doctrine. We will remain vigilant, united, and prepared to resist any future attempt to infringe upon our God-given and constitutional rights.”

📞 Contact:+27 76 811 2631

South African Church Defenders (SACD)

✉ Email: sachurchdefenders@gmail.com |

🌐 Website: www.sachurchdefenders.org