Perceptions...

In this work I do...perceptions are not everything...they are the ONLY thing!

Harsh but true – so this is an attempt to stare down some of those perceptions in the hope of changing them.   At Parliament...I think, we really have transitioned from being seen as a ‘Church’ to being seen as a ‘serious political party’, respected as politicians who carry our weight and responsibility across a broad range of issues and portfolios...outside of parliament though...not so much!

Perceptions that we are divided, even divisive and definitely exclusive are so not what we were going for!  Unintended...maybe...but still our own doing!  For people who value unity, generosity, grace and acceptance we really missed the mark!  A shared future for all people living in South Africa is absolutely how it’s got to be.

Judgmental and uncaring are also words that have haunted our early efforts forcing us to greater diligence in compassion and caring as we work with people to make a positive difference in their lives.  Actions, they say, speak louder than words but in many ways our own ill-considered words have distorted the way people interpret our actions.

An impression that we are more concerned about moral issues than ‘bread-and-butter’ issues was created and even as I say this I cringe... a ‘God-help-us, guilty kind of cringe... remembering my own early attempts at commenting on issues impacting our country!   Of course we are concerned about moral issues which we believe impact radically on everyday issues but...more concerned...no...as concerned...yes! 

Stability and prosperity within our borders for families and communities and for neighbouring countries and the world around us are guiding goals as reducing poverty, unemployment and inequality take centre stage.  The needs, struggles and triumphs of individuals and communities in South Africa have in truth always been our passion, we've just had the hardest time – some more than others – stripping our minds and vocabulary of cliches and often quite inappropriate ‘scripture dropping’.   Sadly authenticity has at times eluded us - people sincere in wanting to please God – but presenting as mindless and phony – such a shame – and to my mind...entirely avoidable!

Intolerant and lacking in respect for those different from our selves – more tragic labeling!  This cannot and must not be who we are.  We ourselves are a diverse people with many diverse cultural norms but the one thing we do have in common is our example and mandate to love unconditionally.  Choice and freedom are our own Christian heritage and we, of all people must protect hard won freedoms including freedom of religion, culture and beliefs.

Last but not least, accusations of autocratic leadership, dogmatic doctrine and undemocratic processes ring painfully in my ears - difficult to hear but necessary to acknowledge if we are to stay true to democratic, transparent processes and to honestly hearing and being the voice of all the people we represent.  

Our challenge will always be - how to do this without compromising Christian values & principles – but it is a challenge we must face - we cannot escape or hide from it. A leadership of integrity that can be trusted is what we aspire to be, while we know there will always be the potential for someone to fail to live up to expectations.