ON SABC 2

1 April 2021

Press Release

From the desk of the General Secretary, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana

Following the announcement by President Ramaphosa about the slightly eased restrictions to church gatherings over the Easter weekend, the South African Council of Churches (SACC) recognises that many South Africans will still be unable to attend Easter services.

According to the recently announced lockdown adjustments, South Africa will remain on Level 1 lockdown until further notice.  As pertains to churches, the numbers of church-goers permitted to attend services has increased to 250 participants for indoor services and 500 for outdoor services, with all social distancing and sanitising protocols to be observed.  While this does allow for more people to fellowship together at this time, many will still remain excluded.

Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, General Secretary of the SACC, noted that for a second year in a row, the collective commemoration of the death and resurrection of Christ would need to be commemorated under the ‘new normal’.  “It is for this reason that we’re offering two specially recorded services for Good Friday and Easter Sunday to be broadcast by SABC 2.  In this way, Christians around South Africa can stay safe in their homes, while participating in the services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.”

Focusing on the theme of COVID-19, these services are multi-denominational in that they will be officiated by the different ministers of the member churches of the SACC, in order to accommodate the diversity of doctrinal traditions.

“We have all worked together as ministers of the various member churches, and stand collectively as the body of Christ, welcoming all our congregants into the fold through the services, and offering an opportunity to all South Africans, regardless of denomination or religious affiliation to spend a moment over the weekend in celebration with us,” said Bishop Mpumlwana. He added, “Good Friday will feature the Virtual Heroes Memorial Wall for departed health workers in the frontline; something we do as we mount the pain of our society on the cross of the crucified Christ!”

The service times are 9:00am on Friday, 2 April 2021; and at 11:30am on Sunday, 4 April 2021 on SABC 2.

—ENDS—