service in the Groote Kerk, of the Dutch Reformed Church, Adderley Street, Cape
Town
8 February 2009
Geagte dominee Botes, vriende en lede van die diplomatieke korps. Ten eerste
wil ek u van harte bedank vir die geleentheid om vandag saam met u te kan
aanbid, hier in die historiese Groote Kerk, die moederkerk van die NG Kerk in
Suid-Afrika.
With your invitation to me to attend a church service in the Groote Kerk as
the first and oldest Christian congregation at the southern tip of Africa, I
have become aware of the fact that this gesture reflects a very old and
significant tradition, acknowledging as it does the connectivity between faith,
its institutions, politics and government in society.
May I also reveal my first emotion? As a very strategic congregation of the
NG Kerk and prominent institutional representative of the Afrikaner community,
I hear the message that you are not to be regarded as a remainder of a past
colonial era, but that you are heart and soul part of Africa and the new South
Africa.
Only about 20 years back, it would have been unthinkable for a black
president of this country, coming from the African National Congress (ANC), to
worship our Lord with the congregation of this historic church. Now it is
becoming regular. Against that background I also wish to thank you for your
regular prayers for Parliament, for the government and for my office as
president, which are not only appreciated but are also a source of strength to
us all.
I am aware of the role of the Dutch Reformed Church regarding those in need,
spiritual and material, on many fronts. In the field of caring and benevolence
it is a fact that the NG Kerk has churches and facilities in countries, cities,
towns and villages across the length and breadth of South Africa â a network
that is truly a practical force for good.
You have built hospitals, children's homes, old age homes, schools and many
other facilities. This is the correct approach because although government can
supply water, education, health services, electricity and many more for the
basic needs of our population, the challenges are huge and what is called for,
is a partnership approach.
At the same time the faith communities must not cease to fearlessly
articulate and underline the moral and ethical values in terms of which our
society must operate. Here too the NG Kerk can play its role as an influential
force for moral and ethical good.
Ek sluit af met 'n stelling wat President Nelson Mandela in 1997 tydens 'n
ontmoeting met geestelike leiers gemaak het en die volgende gesê het:
"The transformation of our country requires the greatest possible co-operation
between religions and political parties (and I would add, governments)
critically and wisely serving our people together. Neither political nor
religious objectives can be achieved n isolation. We are partners in the
building of our society."
It is in this spirit of partnership that I have come to you today. Laat ons
vandag en elke ander dag hande vat om Suid-Afrika 'n beter plek te maak vir al
sy mense.
Thank you again for your warm reception. Ek wens graag vir u dominee Botes,
u mede-leraars, u kerkraadslede en u lidmate God se rykste seën toe in u werk
en op die pad vorentoe.
Baie dankie.
Issued by: The Presidency
8 February 2009
