WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CDA AND OTHERS CHRISTIAN PARTIES?

We often get asked the question, “What is the difference between yourselves and the ACDP?”, and will try and answer this briefly here, without getting into too much detail but rather dealing with the two core issues.

With regard to external policy, Christian voters will find very little difference between the two parties. Our policies on economics, justice and so on are broadly the same, and this is to be expected between parties that are Biblically based.

Below are therefore the three core differences as we see them, and we hope they help you make an informed decision.

1) Our policy implementation

The CDA membership comes from a broad spectrum of backgrounds both socially and politically. Many of our leaders and members were stalwarts in the struggle against apartheid and formed part of the core leadership of many other political organisations.

These members having been convicted by God to place their efforts behind Biblically based government, joined Christian parties, but brought with them a wealth of experience and knowledge.

We are therefore to a large degree, not born out of the Church, but based in the Church, born out of the streets, the reality of politics and governance. We have formed, not carrying any theological baggage or particular theological flavour, such as was typical of Christian parties standing on their own.

Voters will therefore find that, although our broad policies are similar, that we have a distinctive methodology and implementation strategy that is born out of various realities. In other words, we understand the aspirations and dreams of all the people of South Africans, are in touch with their historical background and are therefore more capable of applying the principles we believe in, in a tangible and realistic manner.

2) Our commitment to unity

This issue speaks for itself. The CDA was formed with the specific intention of bringing Christians into unity politically. We are committed to this cause and see this not as a once off effort, but as an ongoing process of uniting the Body of Christ.

The manner in which the alliance came together, with the various leaders, humbling themselves and placing the goals of the Alliance above their own personal or party goals has been confirmation that we are headed in the right direction.

Those who have opted to rather continue on their own obviously do not carry this same desire.

3) Our leadership and management structure

The CDA has a federal leadership and management structure. Essentially, this means that leadership structures at every level are federally constituted. There is no single leader at any level but rather a revolving chairman and all members of the leadership structure are equal.

This prevents any single person from dictating to others, but also allows us to have consensus on issues, as well as make use of collective wisdom.

Additionally, the system prevents anyone from interfering in the selection of candidates or leadership at any other level of the party. This issue has been the largest contributor to dissatisfaction in all other parties and the CDA has ensured that we do not repeat the mistakes of others.

Although this might seem a minor issue, our management within the party, is a reflection of our custodianship. It is the measure of how well we care for our members, as well as the mandate and purpose of the party.

God promises that is we are faithful with little, we will be entrusted with much. Our federal system ensures that we will be faithful no matter how many members come on board.

If you had to recommend a Church to a friend – both having the same theology and mission statement. Which do you recommend? The one with the healthy, vibrant and participative leadership structure. Simply because the internal operations are equally important.