STATEMENT BY THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF
THE SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL OF CHURCHES ON
THE RELEASE OF DR ALLAN BOESAK FROM PRISON
We (The South African Council of Churches, SACC) welcome the release of Dr Allan Boesak and together with his wife, children and friends are celebrating his reunion with his family.
Many of his friends and well-wishers in the global ecumenical family joins us in welcoming our brother back into the fold.
Dr Boesak has paid his debt and done his time. We learn from our Lord that as a nation we must be forgiving of our prodigal children. We plead that he should be allowed time to rebuild his life and career.
The events that led to his imprisonment are a sad episode in his long history of an illustrious work for justice and liberation. The episode was a lesson in humility to all of us who, like Dr Boesak, handled resources on behalf of the poor. We wish that when called to account, we can be found to have been faithful.
We pray that his time in prison has afforded him the opportunity to rethink his vocation, discover a new sense of clarity about his calling and his life. We look forward with anticipation for the contribution he can make in the broader life of our nation.
Dr Boesak has immense gifts from which all of us can benefit. As a nation, we continue to struggle with the difficult task of healing memories of past injustices, fostering reconciliation amongst our racial groups, ensuring justice to the poor and eradicating poverty. We hope Dr Boesak will channel his gifts and zeal towards these challenges. For our part, in the spirit of forgiveness that has laid a sound basis for our political transformation, we must allow him the space to continue to play a constructive role in our social, spiritual and public life. We have no doubt that South Africa can benefit from his work and ministry.
As the ecumenical family, we are ready to offer him and his wife prayers of support and avail ourselves for their pastoral needs and counseling as he begins the difficult stage of reintegration into society.
Issued by
Dr Molefe Tsele
General Secretary, South African Council of Churches
Johannesburg
22 May 2001
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