ISSUES IN FOCUS – a. Capital punishment

The Bible is very clear on the matter of capital punishment. In view of fallen mankind's wickedness and for the well-being of the human race, God instituted civil government as the visible manifestation of the justice of God in human society. He invested the government with the authority to judicially wield the sword of execution on the murderer.

The penalty for violating the sanctity of life is stated in Genesis 9:6. "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed". Why? "For in the image of God He made man". God so highly estimates human life that He will not suffer murder to go unavenged. Though justice belongs only to God, He delegates it to institutions He sets up among men.

God created man in His image and clothed him with His authority to judicially enact the death penalty upon the sin of murder after the due process of law, because it is the only way in which a land can be purged from the guilt of such an atrocious public crime: "Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses ... bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made for the land on which blood has been shed except by the blood of the one who shed it" (Num 35:30 & 33).

The Hebrew word in the sixth commandment is rightly translated "murder" not kill: i.e. murder is the unlawful taking of life. Capital punishment is the lawful, God-ordained taking of a life. We must remember that the State, and only the State, has the right to bear the sword in vengeance, no matter how derelict it may be. While citizens have their right to self-defense (Ex 22:2), they do not have the right of vengeance, neither against child molesters, rapists, abortionists, etc. Even when wickedness abounds, men do not have their right to take justice in their own hands since it belongs only to God Who delegates it through His lawful representative, the State.

The solution is not more lawlessness (i.e. revolution) but reformation and repentance. Let us follow the example of the ancient city of Nineveh, and "call on God earnestly that each may turn from his wicked way and from the violence which is in his hands. Who knows, God may turn and relent, and withdraw His burning anger so that we shall not perish?" (Jonah 3:8).
http://www.acdp.org.za/index.php?page=issue4

ACDP- ISSUES IN FOCUS - Traditional leaders

The ACDP supports the institution of traditional leadership and their system of government for the rural areas provided that the system does not violate our Christian values.

We do so because we share certain fundamental values. Together we believe in the promotion of traditional family values, culture, social coherence and national identity. However, we disagree with the institution in some respects, for example where the institution denies women a right to succession and property rights.

The ACDP believe that when the institution is intact we will hear less of crime in the rural areas. We will hear less of housebreakings, thefts, murders and rapes that have become so prevalent in these areas.

We cannot as we often do, talk about the need to promote the use of indigenous knowledge, arts and culture, promotion of African languages and cultural tourism and at the same time destroy or undermine an institution that is the custodian and reservoir of these values.

The ACDP has called for the freedom of the institution from government control that has marred it since colonial times and apartheid. This democratic government must refrain from following the ugly path of the past governments of manipulating the institution for party political purposes.

The ACDP calls for a complete restoration of the institution because of its inherent value to the lives of many South Africans.

Lastly we call upon the traditional leaders themselves to desist from participating in party politics whilst at the same time serving as traditional leaders as this dual role in our view is repugnant to the duty of traditional leaders of uniting their subjects.

ACDP- ISSUES IN FOCUS - Age of sexual consent

ISSUES IN FOCUS - Age of sexual consent

Lowering the age of sexual consent

There is evidence of a worldwide effort to lower the age when a child can legally give consent for intercourse with an adult. This desire to gain access to children has resulted in many intense legislative struggles in Western Nations and South Africa is no exception.

The ACDP was the only party to sound the alarm, alerting the public to legislation to reduce the age of sexual consent and permit sexual experimentation. In terms of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill, children between the ages of 12 and 16 years are permitted to engage in sexual experimentation with partners also below the age of 16. The age of consent for homosexual relations has been lowered from 19 to 16 years, for both genders.

"Teenage years are fraught with emotional conflict as the transition from child to adult is made and our children need to be protected and guided, rather than encouraged to participate in homosexual and heterosexual sexual experimentation, with possible life-threatening consequences," says ACDP MP Steve Swart.

"Whilst not being oblivious to the fact that many children are sexually active, it is utterly outrageous that 12 to 16 year olds, most of whom will not have reached puberty, should legally be able to give their consent to older children who want to exploit them sexually.

"Although most homosexual activists publicly deny that they want access to boys, many homosexual groups around the world are working aggressively to lower the age of consent," Steve said.

"The ACDP believes that sexual relations should be celebrated within the institution of marriage. We are concerned about what girls and boys are being taught by culture at large. The media and loveLife campaigns in schools encourage sexual experimentation and with such legislation in place, parents will not easily be able to prevent the sexual exploitation of their children.

"This amendment must be seen against the background of the abortion legislation allowing abortions for girls over the age of 12 without parental consent as well as the proposed Child Bill which will allow contraceptives to be given to children over the age of 12, also without parental consent. This latter Bill will also criminalise parental corporal punishment.

"These laws are all seen as an attack on the family and erode parental responsibility," Steve said.

Besides concerns about children contracting HIV/Aids, the vulnerable immature reproductive system of adolescent girls is at risk of being prematurely damaged by prematurely engaging in sexual activity. According to reports, teenage promiscuity can increase a girl's vulnerability to cancer by as much as five times.

"We believe that the answer to the HIV/Aids epidemic lies in promoting abstinence and faithfulness to one's spouse. This was the successful approach adopted in Uganda," Steve says.

"Should this battle be lost in South Africa, the whole of Africa will be open to the possibility of such legislation.

(From Christian Democrat magazine Issue 1 2003)

ACDP- Religion in Education Policy

Religion in Education Policy
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Education's Religion in Education policy should be of concern for every family in South Africa. The policy has serious implications for every parent with school-going children and for South Africa as a whole. On date, the Education Department Religion in Education policy.
WHAT THE ACDP HAD TO SAY:
The Religion in Education policy undermines the role of parents and reduces religious beliefs to nothing more than a state-prescribed school subject with little relevance, while humanism, a recognised religion, is unashamedly promoted throughout the entire curriculum.
A multi-faith religious instruction programme compiled by the state is now compulsory and examinable in both public and private institutions, regardless of the community, teachers, parents and children. This is an outright attack on diversity and people's right to their beliefs.
After coming under heavy pressure, the department has made several changes to the original draft and "single religion" observances will be permitted only if they take place outside of the context of a school assembly. If a school decides to incorporate religious observances into assemblies, it must take into account the religious groupings in the school. Schools could choose to hold separate assemblies for each group or if this is not possible, multi-faith or no observances are the options.
The department claims that school governing bodies still decide how to implement policy, but only within the framework set by the ministry. The SA Schools Act states the functions of governing bodies, but effectively gives them no power. The authority given by the constitution for rules regarding religious observances to be made by "the appropriate public authorities" (s15.2.a), is presently interpreted by academics and the government to mean "the department" and not the governing body, as so often assumed by many. As the 'public authority', the department sets the rules for religion observances and schools - governing bodies and parents are expected to comply.
The department justifies its multi-faith Religion in Education policy by quoting the constitutional right of equality, which allows "fair discrimination" in favour of people who are seen to have been previously disadvantaged. The government sees Christians as the previously advantaged group against which "fair discrimination" is now a necessity. Government has been en route to this juncture since the signing of the Constitution and policy and legislation since then have been preparing the way. Christians who oppose government's agenda are seen as bigots and labelled intolerant, while Minister Asmal proudly makes good on his promise to ensure that no learner is ever again "indoctrinated" with Christianity.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
Sadly this comes as no surprise to the ACDP, which pointed out some of these issues at the time the constitution was drafted. We were the only party to vote against the Constitution on these and other moral grounds.
The ACDP is committed to a policy that empowers parents and schools governing bodies to decide on the religious ethos of a school. If a multi-faith ethos is the decision of the community then so be it, but if not, it should not be imposed. Parents, without a doubt, should choose the education they want for their children without state interference.
As bleak as this picture may seem, it is still possible for Christians, who are in the majority in South Africa to stop the assault on our freedoms. There is no better time for Christians to unite and turn the tide by electing a government of God-fearing men and women committed to biblical principles.
The question is not whether religion should influence politics, but whose religion and morality is shaping our politics and nation.
POINTS OF THE POLICY:
• Schools must have a policy that reflects the multi-religious nature of the country, not just the school, taking into consideration that the religious composition of a school can change from
• Religious observances at school must accommodate multiple religions. For example at school assemblies, 'neutral' prayers or rotating readings and observances from various religions is advised. Outside of school assembly, single-faith observances are theoretically allowed provided they allow voluntary attendance.
• Religion Education will be a compulsory, examinable subject as part of the curriculum for all schools, including private schools and public schools on private property.
• External invited religious workers are not allowed to regularly present religious instruction, unless they are also qualified teachers. Others may come as occasional guests
• Public schools, except those on private land, are not allowed to have a religious ethos
• Teachers must be trained in agnostic comparative religion A teacher's freedom to promote his or her faith is restrict
(From Christian Democrat magazine Issue 1 2003)

ACDP ISSUES IN FOCUS - Abortion

"Hear the word I speak and give them warning from me…when I say to a wicked man, you will surely die, and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood…but if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his evil ways, he will die…but you will have saved yourself" (Ezekiel 3:17-19).

More than two hundred and eighty thousand abortions have been performed in South Africa since 1997. Taxpayers' money is used to fund and promote abortion even though most surveys indicate that the majority of South Africans are opposed to it and alternatives to abortion, like motherhood and adoption are not a priority.

Three times as many innocent lives are taken through abortion than are taken by criminals, and statistics, reveal that abortions after 12 weeks account for almost one third of abortions in South Africa. Sources at Philadelphia Hospital (Mpumalanga) report over 60%.

Twenty four days after conception a babies heart begins to beat, by six weeks brain waves can be recorded and by eight weeks every organ is present. By twelve weeks a baby is a distinct individual, sensitive to touch, it squints, swallows, frowns, smiles, urinates and begins practicing breathing.

Traumatised hospital staff must carry the tiny bodies (often making little noises), in paper bags to incinerators and some are left to drown in buckets.

The need for legal abortion is promoted by Government, Abortion Funders and lobby groups, as saving women's lives and back street abortion figures are quoted. The truth is, back street abortion figures have hardly dropped since abortion was legalised, and abortions have simply increased by more than 280 000.

MP's on the Health Committee say "Women want abortion", we say "women want abortion like animals caught in a painful trap want to gnaw off their own limbs". They need help to get free and to heal not to dismember their own bodies, leaving them crippled for life.

As the law stands a child of any age can get an abortion without parental consent or knowledge and husbands risk seven years imprisonment if they try to prevent their wife from having an abortion.

The sex education syllabus in schools requires educators to display abortion clinic details so that students can access them confidentially.

"Population control" permeates international policies and legislation and is particularly evident in Africa where "sustainable development" has become the catch phrase. Eighty-two cents out of every global US dollar, funding "sustainable development" in Africa, is in fact spent on abortion.

Vast amounts of global finance, fund the promotion and implementation of abortion on demand and every other avenue of "birth control" including indiscriminate and inappropriate condom supplies.

loveLife, for example, funded by Planned Parenthood, Kaiser Foundation, Bill Gates and government, works diligently, to capture the imaginations of South African teens, targeting 12 to 17 year olds, with the message that "parents do not understand you", "sex outside of marriage is OK" and "experiment".

At the same time they have succeeded in capturing the minds and pockets of the media, businesses, teachers and even some church organisations.

Licentious and deviant sexual behaviour is not only tolerated, but also encouraged, and taught in and outside of schools.

loveLife"s budget is presently R200 million, and they are working hard at soliciting an further 200 million from government and other sources. At a loveLife clinic in KZN 10 days ago, a Methodist Minister passionately pleaded with MP's to see that loveLife clinics have abortion facilities.

Sadly and shamefully South Africa is callously murdering her unborn children, flooding homes with every kind of debauchery, teaching children to disrespect authority, betray their own bodies, embrace homosexuality and aspire to prostitution.

The ACDP calls on all South Africans to recognise the insidious enemy, thriving in our midst, and rally to eradicate it. This enemy, protected by legislation, murders unborn children in broad daylight, pollutes the minds of the youth, and cripples society, all with the approval and encouragement of government and even some churches.

IT IS TIME FOR WAR… a war on injustice and iniquity…since "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places"(Ephesiansh 6:12) …we have gathered together today not only to warn men and women and the present government to turn from their wicked ways, but to declare war on principalities and powers.

by Cheryllyn Dudley, MP

ACA Issues - Changing of Street Names

STRAATNAAMVERANDERINGS TE PRETORIA EN REGOOR SUID AFRIKA.
Die African Christian Alliance – Afrikaner (ACA) wil graag die beste sien vir Pretoria –
Tshwane en al die inwoners van Suid Afrika.
Daar is ± 100 straatname aan die Provinsiale wetgewer deurgegee vir veranderinge te
Pretoria, asook ‘n onbekende getal ander straatname van stede en dorpe regoor Suid Afrika.
'n Voorlegging van ± 27 name is alreeds aan die Pretoria-Tshwane Metroraad asook vir
openbare deelname deurgegee. (Die openbare deelname het gepaardgegaan met swak
bywoning en het ontaard in skeltaal, vuisgevegte en selfs stoel-slanery tussen verskeie
groepe. Die besonderhede sal binnekort na die Straatnaamkomitee deurgegee word vir
goedkeuring. (Die Straatnaamkomitee word oorheers deur die ANC.)
Die African Christian Alliance - Afrikaner Christen Alliansie (ACA) is teen alle
straatnaamveranderinge. Ons basseer dit op die volgende punte:
•Die Witman het God se Woord (Bybel) en vooruitgang na Suid Afrika en Pretoria
gebring. Selfs in verskeie wêreld en ander oorloë geveg op Suid Afrikaanse
grondgebied en met die bogenoemde se bloed betaal vir dit wat hy besit het. Huise
en plase is afgebrand. Bogenoemde het van vooraf begin om nuwe strukture op te rig
en te onderhou. Dit is deel van Suid Afrika se geskiedenis. Erkenning kom hul dus
toe.
•Enige naamsverandering het uit die aard van die saak ook ernstige finansiele
implikasies, vernaamlik in die moontlike ernstige Wêreld-resessietyd, wat ons
moontlik in Suid Afrika kan raak.
_ Besighede moet op al hul briefhoofde, naamborde en advertensieborde
veranderinge aanbring teen hoë geldelike kostes. Veral die Toerisme-bedryf
sal moet nuwe brosjures druk en ou voorraad vernietig, hier en in die
buiteland.
_ Besighede en inwoners moet hul adresveranderinge deurstuur aan alle
instansies waar hulle besigheid en huurkope het.
_ Land- en Padkaarte, elektroniese GPS moet verander of aangepas word teen
geweldige moeite en geldelike kostes.
_ Nuwe straatnaamborde moet gemaak word ten koste van die publiek, wat
alreeds gestraf word met hoë elektrisiteits- en erfbelastingkostes, tensy jy
geregistreer is as een van die armstes van die stad se mense.
_ Ou straatnaamborde moet afgehaal, en met nuwes vervang word, wat
mannekrag vereis wat elders beter aangewend kan word.
_ Besighede kan moontlik eise vir die geldverlies teen die Metroraad van
Tshwane of enige ander stede / dorpe regoor Suid Afrika instel.
•Die geld bewillig vir straatnaamveranderinge te Pretoria-Tshwane kan eerder
aangewend word vir die opheffing van die pensionarisse en wesies se welsyn,
gesondheidsdienste, teer of herstelwerk aan paaie en / of die verlaging van die
erfbelastingkostes en elektrisiteitstariewe. Bou van nuwe en opgradering of
herstelwerk aan bestaande munisipale huise, woonstelle en hostels in huidige
agtergeblewende gebiede behoort ook aandag te geniet. Kring televisie behoort ook
in plekke geistalleer te word waar ‘n hoë misdaad syfer voorkom en vir ander
voorkomende maatreëls.
•***** Volgens Mnr Lucas Magadagela – van die Pretoria – Tshwane Stad
Beplannings Kantoor “sal die Kostes nie eers R 5,000,000 (Vyf Miljoen Rand) wees
nie” (Vir 27 Straat Name) – sy Selfoon nr. 082 839 5798 (Pvt) Tel. 012 358 4832
F 086 697 3207 / 086 605 6400 (Verdere navrae omtrent die geskatte kostes kan aan
hom gerig word)
•Dit behoort ook so die kriteria regoor Suid Afrika te wees.
As daar nuwe name vernoem en gegee wil word van alle Suid Afrikaners en ander
name, bv. plante en voëls, wat erkenning verdien, laat dit dan geskied in die nuwe
woongebiede, soos goedgekeur en geregistreer in die Databank vir straatname, deur
die Straatnaamkomitee van verkeie metro en ander munisipaliteite.
•So behoort daar ook ‘n Nasionale en ‘n Provinsiale straatnaam Databasis te wees, op
dieselfde basis soos bogenoemde.
Die African Christian Alliance - Afrikaner Christen Alliansie (ACA) sal enige aksie /
proses teen die straatnaamveranderinge wat regoor Suid Afrika plaasvind,
ondersteun.
G
enesis 1:26, 1:28. Die mens is deur God op die aarde geplaas om die hele aarde te
onderwerp (plante) en te heers oor die visse van die see, voëls van die hemel,en oor al die
vee/diere wat op die aarde kruip - maar nie om te heers oor mense nie.
Die mens verkrag hierdie opdrag en manipuleer ander mense vir hul eie gewin.
God sal oorwin ………… “Change for the Good” …………” A Change we Need.”
Petrus van der Westhuizen
Nasionale Leier en 'n Ambassadeur van God.
African Christian Alliance - Afrikaner Christen Alliansie
(ACA)
072 229 3760
aca-admin@lantic.net
aca-party@lantic.net