Position Of BCC Hate And Demeaning Speech By Pastor Steve Anderson
Correspondent | Monday September 19, 2016 15:41
This regrettable speech is said to have been uttered by a certain American Pastor Steve Anderson.
In the audio clip, the said Pastor makes the statements which are a matter of great concern to any peace-loving citizen regardless of religious persuasion and/or sexual orientation. Some of the statements he made include, and are not limited to:
l That homosexuality is deplorable.
l That homosexuals are like animals. He showed lack of respect for the people of South Africa, calling them ‚“sodomites” and using the poverty situation as a reason for coming down to Southern Africa, which is very unfortunate.
l There is lack of respect for the Church in Southern Africa. Pastor Anderson makes particular reference to Protestants, Pentecostals, as failing to preach the Gospel and winning souls.
The BCC categorically condemn this hate speech that not only demeans the people of South Africa and by extension, the people of Southern Africa but also a disrespect for the very God he claims to preach for the salvation of the world.
The position of the BCC on this matter is therefore as follows:
l The Gospel of Jesus Christ is based on love and not negativity as depicted by the hate speech in the video clips.
l We have worked hard as a people over the years to promote social cohesion, tolerance and co-existence in the
context of ethnic and cultural differences, religious pluralism and divergent views.
l As a people, we cannot allow any religious institution founded on hate speech to exist or operate in Botswana.
l While BCC does not have the powers to decide on the entry visa or non-entry; we would like to state our position towards the envisaged visit to Botswana by representatives of Pastor Anderson’s Church.
We do not support the so-called “soul winning tour to Botswana on the 25th September by Pastor Anderson’s team.”
This is obviously with the view to establish a Church in Botswana; under the auspices of the Faithful Word Baptist Church.
l We respect the different beliefs and positions on homosexuality held by different Churches, Church Ministers and individuals in Botswana and abroad. We however, condemn any hate speech towards homosexuals or any other person created in the image of God.
l BCC, as a network of Churches with different doctrinal positions, continues to engage its members towards formulating a common position on the issues of human sexuality with particular reference to homosexuality, which will represent the divergent views and positions held by members. The Council therefore does not have a position on the issue of homosexuality.
l The Christian Churches, represented by BCC believe in an all-merciful God who accepts all human beings in their fallen nature and work in them and with them towards perfection.
Rev Mosweu Simane,
General Secretary
P. O. Box 355 Gaborone Botswana Tel: (267)-3951 981 Visiting Address: Along Nelson Mandela Road Fax: (267)3951 981 Plot 5131, Extension 1, Gaborone. Email address: admin@bcc. co. bw
Website: www. bcc. co. bw