Tributes are pouring in for the extensively admired however controversial founding father of the Rhema Bible Church South Africa, Ray McCauley, who has died aged 75.
“Pastor Ray has gone to be with the Lord peacefully at his residence, surrounded by his household and family members,” his son stated in an announcement.
President Ramaphosa prolonged his “deep condolences”, including that Pastor Ray’s loss of life “leaves our deeply religious nation bereft of a outstanding chief”.
The Rhema Bible Church has over 45,000 members and is taken into account one of the vital influential church buildings in South Africa.
The South African Nationwide Christian Discussion board (SANCF) paid tribute to Mr McCauley, calling him a “an excellent ecumenical chief”.
“He will likely be remembered as one of many nice Christian leaders within the nation,” it stated.
Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela additionally shared a heartfelt message, saying he “stood resolute on issues of integrity in state affairs”.
“I’ll at all times bear in mind him as an individual who pioneered inclusive worship lengthy earlier than others did,” she stated in an announcement on X.
Mr McCauley performed a key function within the late years of apartheid and spoke out in opposition to the racist apartheid regime.
Ramaphosa described Rhema as one of many “largest multiracial church buildings throughout apartheid”.
In the course of the Reality and Reconciliation talks, he confessed the shortcomings of white South Africans who “hid behind their so-called spirituality whereas closing their eyes to the darkish occasions of the apartheid years”.
His church change into a pillar of South African society and lots of high-profile figures like former President Jacob Zumba, members of parliament and sports activities stars attended companies.
In 2009 Mr McCauley was accused of political bias as he allowed the then-unelected President Zuma to talk to his congregation.
He was a member of the Nationwide Interfaith Leaders Council (NILC) a physique meant to advise on supply of social companies, and he publicly defended Zuma and ANC members on many controversial points.
On the peak of his affect he was described because the “excessive priest of South Africa” in response to the UK’s Impartial information website.
However he was criticised for dwelling like a millionaire and preaching the prosperity gospel.
In 2008, he earned about 68m rand ($3.8m; £2.9m), most of which got here from tithes and choices, in response to Enterprise Stay.
He was additionally closely criticised for divorcing his first spouse Lyndie in 2000, as there have been no biblical grounds. This divided his congregation and many individuals left the church.
Mr McCauley married his second spouse Zelda Eire shortly afterwards, in 2001.
Earlier than he turned a religious chief, Mr McCauley was a bodybuilder and owned gyms. He took half within the Mr Universe competitors in 1974 and got here within the high three.
Though he stepped again from lively church duties at Rhema in 2022, he preached a sermon on the church just a few weeks in the past.
He’s survived by his widow Zelda, son Joshua by his first spouse, and three grandchildren.
