A Code of Conduct for church leaders
Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) President, Dr. Tebogo Motlhagodi says there was no proper consultation with church bodies regarding the Amendment of the Societies Act that governs churches.
Dr. Motlhagodi said that the government bypassed churches and that they only heard about the Act when it was discussed in Parliament. Motlhagodi stressed that the church is a strategic partner for the government hence there is a need for proper consultation. He said that the church should also be given an opportunity to make input into laws that concern it.
In an interview with The Midweek Sun, Dr. Motlhagodi said that although there were no proper consultations, they welcome the new Amended Societies Act as they believe it will guard against money laundering.
He added that this is the time for the church to demonstrate that it is a disciplined entity.
According to Motlhagodi, this is also a good time for churches to formulate a policy on Ethics and a Code of Conduct that regulate the behaviour of leaders.
Dr. Motlhagodi said it is disheartening that some pastors continue to display despicable behaviour within society. He was hopeful that such a code of ethics could regulate such conduct. “With the Ethics and Code of Conduct in place, Pastors will refrain from tarnishing each other’s images, as well as recruiting members from each other,” he said.