SOME say church leaders involved in a divorce should take a break from their duties .
This comes after a prominent church leader allegedly told the church leadership that he would be divorcing his wife. The divorce has allegedly caused division in the leadership, with some saying he should step down as president while others do not object to his decision.
Umtata Rhema Christian Church’s (RUCC) Don Phillips said divorcing a spouse went against God’s will.
Phillips said the only time a couple could divorce was when there had been infidelity.
“Matthew 19:9 says ‘I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery’.
“Divorce is not the will of God. It is the choice of man,” he said.
Phillips said couples going through difficulties should go for counselling and seek advice from the church leadership.
“Even in cases of infidelity we preach repentance and true forgiveness but sometimes a couple exhausts all avenues for reconciliation and they end up divorcing,” he said.
Phillips said leaders going through divorce should be excused from their duties in the church.
“ A person cannot just move on as if nothing happened – they need to go through a process of restoration ,” he said.
Phillips said the period of restoration usually lasted for about six months to a year depending on the person.
“The person must be accountable to show the congregation that the matter has been handled in a dignified matter,” Phillips said.
Phillips said the most common reason for divorce was selfishness.
Ibandla Lasemthini Evangelical Movement (Ilem) leader Tshepo Machaea, a divorcé, said “ God does not approve of divorce but I was already divorced when I had my calling.”
He said, “ A person going through a divorce cannot preach an authentic message.” —
Divorcing priests ‘can take a break’
This comes after a prominent church leader allegedly told the church leadership that he would be divorcing his wife. The divorce has allegedly caused division in the leadership, with some saying he should step down as president while others do not object to his decision.
Umtata Rhema Christian Church’s (RUCC) Don Phillips said divorcing a spouse went against God’s will.
Phillips said the only time a couple could divorce was when there had been infidelity.
“Matthew 19:9 says ‘I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery’.
“Divorce is not the will of God. It is the choice of man,” he said.
Phillips said couples going through difficulties should go for counselling and seek advice from the church leadership.
“Even in cases of infidelity we preach repentance and true forgiveness but sometimes a couple exhausts all avenues for reconciliation and they end up divorcing,” he said.
Phillips said leaders going through divorce should be excused from their duties in the church.
“ A person cannot just move on as if nothing happened – they need to go through a process of restoration ,” he said.
Phillips said the period of restoration usually lasted for about six months to a year depending on the person.
“The person must be accountable to show the congregation that the matter has been handled in a dignified matter,” Phillips said.
Phillips said the most common reason for divorce was selfishness.
Ibandla Lasemthini Evangelical Movement (Ilem) leader Tshepo Machaea, a divorcé, said “ God does not approve of divorce but I was already divorced when I had my calling.”
He said, “ A person going through a divorce cannot preach an authentic message.” —
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