The CRL Section 22 Committee today officially unveiled a draft self-regulatory framework aimed at restoring integrity, accountability, and public trust within the Christian sector in South Africa.
Speaking during the media engagement, committee members stressed that this framework is not about state control of religion, but a church-led accountability process facilitated under the CRL Rights Commission, in line with constitutional protections for freedom of religion.
The committee highlighted deep concerns about exploitation, financial abuse, unsafe practices, and gender-based violence in sacred spaces. Leaders argued that while criminal law exists, victims are often left exposed for years through delayed court processes, intimidation, and spiritual manipulation.
The draft framework is built on three main pillars:
• Strong internal governance and accountability
• A clear ethical and professional code of conduct
• Compliance with existing laws, including child protection and proper registration
A key proposal is the future creation of an independent Christian Council for Ethics and Accountability, democratically elected after a nationwide consultation process. This council would issue a seal of good standing to churches that commit to agreed standards, helping the public identify credible and accountable institutions.
The CRL Section 22 Committee confirmed that this document is only a draft, and now opens the door to broad national consultations with umbrella church bodies, denominational leadership, traditional leaders, survivors of abuse, youth and women’s organisations, civil society groups, and relevant government institutions.
A separate and protected process will also be held with survivors of abuse in sacred spaces to ensure safety, confidentiality, and dignity while informing reform proposals.
The committee also indicated that similar Section 22 processes are expected to follow for other faith sectors, including Muslim and African traditional religions, each with its own structured consultation path.
Join MDNtv Membership to get access to perks:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClWk6DQBYHf6rLP8VtMn0Xw/join
✨ Visit here to stay informed with breaking news and in-depth coverage on MDNtv, your source for local and global stories: http://www.mdntvlive.com/
🌍 Support MDNtv on GlobalGiving:
🏫 Build the MDNtv Academy of Truth & Empowerment: https://goto.gg/72640
🕊️ Help MDNtv Fight for GBV Survivors’ Justice: https://goto.gg/72638
🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClWk6DQBYHf6rLP8VtMn0Xw?sub_confirmation=1
✅ Important Link to Follow
🔗Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClWk6DQBYHf6rLP8VtMn0Xw/join
🔗 Stay Connected With Us.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mdntvlive
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdntv.live
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/mdnnewss
Website: http://www.mdntvlive.com/
📩 For business inquiries: media@mdntvlive.com
=============================
🎬Suggested videos for you:
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xszJ5faW_4Y
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qelW5_n_2gY
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9ZMWmo5O6I
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8m5hqV9x78
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc9nPBjdOWY
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ06D8-JsY0
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBKvf0mNKhc
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uksylURY4Eg
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFaMXwIR4tk
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSWYi7iHNmU
=================================
✅ About MDNtv.
Welcome to MDNtv, South Africa’s award-winning independent news channel. We’re committed to delivering breaking news, in-depth investigations, and fearless journalism that brings you the stories that truly matter. From high-profile courtroom coverage to investigative exposés and fact-checked reports, we are dedicated to telling the truth, no matter the cost.
Our coverage spans politics, business, social justice, and community issues across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and beyond. We don’t just report the news – we hold power to account, amplify the voices of the unheard, and train the next generation of journalists to continue the work of truth and integrity.
For Business inquiries, please use the contact information below:
📩 Email: media@mdntvlive.com
🔔 Hit subscribe for comprehensive coverage, in-depth investigations, and fearless reporting on the most important stories shaping South Africa and beyond.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClWk6DQBYHf6rLP8VtMn0Xw?sub_confirmation=1
=================================
#CRL
#Section22
#CRLRightsCommission
#ChurchAccountability
#GBVInSacredSpaces
#ReligiousFreedom
#SouthAfrica
#mdntv
CRL Unveils New Framework to Tackle Abuse in Churches
source