House Chair, I move a motion without notice: That the House -
1) notes that today, Wednesday, 10 March 2010, marks the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Nazareth Church or Shembe Church;
2) further notes that right from inception the African independent churches played a crucial role in promoting a religious philosophy based on sound African value systems and that many of the leaders of independent churches have assumed leadership positions in society over the years;
3) remembers that the independent churches enabled leaders like Inkosi Isaiah Mdliwamafa Shembe, the founder of the Nazareth Church, Nehemiah Tile, Tiyo Soga, A Mgqibisa and others to articulate and provide channels for the expression of the deep-felt political grievances of the people;
4) acknowledges that the church became more than just a place of religious worship: it signified a political protest movement seeking to escape the reality of colonial rule;
5) believes that the African independent churches have played a leading role in the liberation movement and they will continue to play a prominent role in the moral regeneration of our society and remain an important partner in fostering the spirit of nation-building and reconciliation; 6) calls upon the church, as partners with the government in the Moral Regeneration Movement, to continue ensuring that the moral values of ubuntu, such as respect for human life and respect for each other, are inculcated, especially amongst our youth; and
7) congratulates the Nazareth Church on its 100th anniversary and express the wish that it may continue to grow and lead the nation to become morally conscious.
Agreed to.