Blitz Bureau
JOHANNESBURG: Tributes are pouring in for the widely admired but controversial founder of the Rhema Bible Church South Africa, Ray McCauley, who died aged 75 on October 10.
“Pastor Ray has gone to be with the Lord peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family and loved ones,” his son said in a statement. President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his “deep condolences”, adding that Pastor Ray’s death “leaves our deeply spiritual nation bereft of a remarkable leader”.
The Rhema Bible Church has more than 45,000 members and is considered one of the most influential churches in South Africa. The South African National Christian Forum (SANCF) paid tribute to McCauley, calling him “an outstanding ecumenical leader”.”He will be remembered as one of the great Christian leaders in the country,” it said.
South Africa’s former Public Protector ThuliMadonsela also shared a heartfelt message, saying he “stood resolute on matters of integrity in state affairs”.
McCauley played a key role in the late years of apartheid and spoke out against the racist apartheid regime. Ramaphosa described Rhema as one of the “largest multiracial churches during apartheid”.
