South African Church Defenders (SACD) have moved to clarify the scope of their legal challenge against the CRL Rights Commission, accusing the commission of misrepresenting the nature of the court case and deepening divisions within religious communities.
Addressing the media, SACD leaders rejected claims that their court action seeks to prevent different faith groups from meeting or being represented together. They said such assertions are misleading and are not reflected in their legal papers.
According to SACD, the court application is narrowly focused on three key issues. The organisation is seeking a declaration that the Section 22 Committee established by the CRL was unlawful, that all actions taken by the committee are invalid, and that the committee must be disbanded. These demands, they said, have already been submitted to Parliament and included in a memorandum to the Presidency.
SACD also confirmed that it is challenging the CRL’s communication with state security structures that reportedly labelled charismatic churches as a domestic threat. The organisation argues that this characterisation has contributed to suspicion, fear, and unnecessary tension among religious communities.
At the centre of the case, SACD said, is the protection of constitutional rights guaranteed under Sections 15, 18, and 31 of the Constitution, which safeguard freedom of religion, freedom of association, and the collective rights of religious communities.
Church leaders warned that recent statements and actions by the CRL risk reviving divisions and disruptions seen in previous years, raising concerns about possible witch hunts against pastors. They questioned why alleged victims are not being referred to existing investigative and justice structures if credible information already exists.
SACD also raised concerns about the potential cost and scope of expanding Section 22 committees across multiple faith groups, arguing that such an approach could place an unnecessary burden on public resources while failing to address genuine cases of criminal conduct.
The organisation stressed that it does not oppose accountability or justice, but insists that criminal matters should be handled by established law enforcement and judicial bodies rather than through broad regulatory measures targeting religious communities.
In closing, South African Church Defenders said they will continue to pursue both legal action and peaceful protest to oppose what they describe as unconstitutional overreach. The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending religious freedom and called on believers across the country to remain informed, united, and engaged.