South African Council of Churches

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The South African Council of Churches (SACC) is an interdenominational forum in South Africa.

It was a prominent anti-apartheid organisation during the years of apartheid in South Africa.

Its leaders have included Desmond Tutu, Beyers Naudé and Frank Chikane.

The SACC headquarters at Khotso House in Johannesburg were destroyed by a bomb in 1988. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission later found that State President PW Botha had personally ordered the bombing. Former Minister of Law and Order Adriaan Vlok and several senior policemen applied for and were granted amnesty for the bombing. The bombing party was directed by Eugene de Kock, then commander at Vlakplaas, a secret facility of the security branch of the South African Police force. ^[1]

[edit] Leadership

The SACC is governed by a national conference that meets not less than three times a year. The resolutions of the conference are implemented by a national committee that meets annually. The committee is chaired by either the president or a vice-president of the Council. An executive committee is appointed by the national committee and meets at least four times a year. The officers of the Council include a president, vice-presidents, and a general secretary who acts as executive officer [1].

General secretaries [dates need verification]

Mr Edwin Makue (Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa), 2006-[2]
Dr Molefe Tsele (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa), 2001-2006?[3][4]
Ms Brigalia Bam (Church of the Province of South Africa), 1997-1998[5][6][7]
Rev Frank Chikane (Apostolic Faith Mission Church), 1987-1994[8][9]
Rev Dr CF Beyers Naudé (Reformed Church in Africa), 1984-1986?[10]
Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu (Church of the Province of South Africa), 1978-1984[11]
Rev John Thorne (United Congregational Church), 1977 (3 months)[12]
Mr John Rees (Methodist Church of Southern Africa), 1970-1977[13]
Archbishop Bill Burnett (Church of the Province of South Africa), 1967-1969[14]

Presidents [dates need verification]

Prof. Russel Botman (Uniting Reformed Church), 2003-[15]
Dr Khoza Mgojo (Methodist Church of Southern Africa), 1990-? [16]
Dr Manas Buthulezi (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa), 1983[17][18]
Bishop Peter Storey (Methodist Church of Southern Africa), 1981-1983[19][20]
Rev SPE Sam Buti (Reformed Church in Africa), ca. 1979[21]
Rev John Thorne (United Congregational Church), ca. 1975-1976
Rev A.W. Habelgaarn (Moravian Church), 1971-?[22]
Archbishop Robert Selby Taylor (Church of the Province of South Africa), 1968