- The proposed framework is built on three pillars: internal governance and accountability, a code of ethical and professional conduct, and legal and regulatory compliance.
- The initiative aims to protect the vulnerable, restore trust, and embed integrity at every level of church life.
- Churches and Christians across South Africa are invited to help shape the framework through nationwide consultation.
A bold new chapter is unfolding for South Africa’s Christian community, as leaders place three foundational pillars at the heart of a proposed self-regulation framework. Internal governance and accountability, a robust code of ethics, and unwavering legal compliance are set to guide how churches operate, protect their congregants, and reinforce public trust.
The announcement was made during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Friday, 19 December 2025. The Section 22 Ad Hoc Committee for the Christian Sector, appointed by the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission), presented the draft framework as a response to growing concern over abuse and scandal within some places of worship.
Members of the committee are Council of African Independent Churches, Ebhuleni Nazareth Baptist Church, Gauteng Nazareth Baptist Church, Ginyezinye Nazareth Baptist Church, Moral Regeneration Movement, Rhema Bible Church, South African Council of Churches, St Engenas Zion Christian Church, The Evangelical Alliance of South Africa, Thembezinhle Nazareth Baptist Church and Zion Christian Church.
Transparency and accountability at the centre
The first pillar, internal governance and accountability, calls for church leadership to act with transparency and ensure integrity in all operations. The committee stresses that open, honest leadership is essential to restoring confidence within congregations and the wider public.
“We stand before you not as regulators, but as servants,” the committee said. “Our mission is born from a deep love for the church and a profound respect for the Constitution that protects our freedom of religion. It is also born from a place of collective pain and unwavering hope.”
The second pillar, a code of ethical and professional conduct, places compassion, the protection of vulnerable people, clear boundaries, and high moral standards at the centre of church life. The committee has been moved by reports of exploitation and moral failures that have left many seeking sanctuary instead of being exposed to harm.
“We have witnessed the devastating reports of exploitation, where the vulnerable have been fed false promises and harmful substances,” the committee leaders said. “We have seen the pain of financial abuse and the scandal of moral failure in places meant to offer sanctuary. These actions have cast a shadow, not only on the institutions involved but on the glorious name of Christ we all proclaim. This cannot be our story. This will not be our legacy.”
The third pillar, legal and regulatory compliance, calls on churches to fulfil civic duties such as proper registration and the implementation of child protection policies, all in a manner that aligns with biblical values. The committee is clear that civic responsibility is not an external imposition, but part of a church’s calling to integrity.
A key proposal in the draft is the creation of the Christian Practice Council for Ethics and Accountability, or CPCEA, an independent body that would certify organisations meeting these standards and provide a Seal of Good Standing. According to the committee, this seal will help believers and donors make informed decisions and reinforce trust in Christian institutions.
Nationwide conversation begins
The committee emphasises that this framework is not final but marks the beginning of a broad national conversation. “This draft is not a final document,” the committee stated. “It is the beginning of a vital nationwide conversation. We invite every Christian, every leader, every congregation to engage with this document. Read it. Debate it. Improve it. This is your framework.”
In the coming months, the committee said, it will consult with denominational leaders, umbrella bodies, survivors of abuse, theologians, legal experts, government departments, and the wider public to ensure the framework reflects the collective wisdom and needs of the entire Christian community.
A vision for unity and renewal
The committee said the process is not about creating an exclusive club, but about forming a fellowship of those willing to strive for excellence, accountability, and Christ-like service. “We believe the South African Church is poised for a new chapter,” the committee said. “A chapter defined not by scandal, but by sacred trust. Not by division, but by a common commitment to integrity.”
The invitation is open to all Christians to help shape the future of their faith. “Let us build a church that is a beacon of light, a haven for the broken, and a powerful, unified force for good in our nation,” the committee urged.
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