The usual answer to this is that there is such a concept as ‘Christian Democracy’ which is different to democracy and that Christian Democratic Parties have been a part of the political landscape for a very long time and have been successful in governing and governing co-alitions.
The word ‘Africa’ is important because it places South Africa in context.
The word ‘Christian’ is there because we are being transparent and describing the kind of values and principles we subscribe to.
The word ‘Democracy” is there as a promise – a promise that as Christians with a Christian world-view we will be disciplined in keeping within the constraints of democracy when we are in government. As individual Christians we may believe what we like but as a collective entrusted with the well-being of a nation with diverse beliefs we must govern with everyone in mind and not just our own narrow interests. This helps people, including Christians, who do not trust Christians to govern, to feel more secure and allows people to hold us accountable in terms of democracy as well as Christian principles and values. The Christian world is diverse, ranging from cult-like organisations to traditional and balanced believers and all the way in many directions to other extremes – voters need assurances.
The ACDP is too small
A – The ACDP is as big as you want it to be – one Christian party who was in Government at the time (The Swedish Democratic Party) told us they had existed for 30 years before they got even one person into Parliament – they understood just how difficult it was to get people to have the faith to vote for a small party. They said the tipping point comes at 5% - once they got to 5% people began to see them as a contender and voted for them. The ACDP is asking for a chance to prove what we can do – for that we need your help to get that 5%. With 5% of the vote we will have the public office bearers and the resources that come with that, to show South Africa what kind of a government we will be.
The ACDP is divided
A – The ACDP approaches issues from a Christian perspective – our Christian worldview is however diverse in the sense that the Christian community in South Africa is diverse – so while we have basic truths that we will not compromise, we make room for debate and discussion to ensure that we benefit from the wisdom of many and access a broad range of thinking to help us find the creative solutions necessary – solutions applicable in today’s world and in the specific situations we are facing in our country. Anyone wanting to make a difference will have to get comfortable with conflict in the sense that it stretches us and humbles us. We will not always get what we want but we will have given our best arguments to convince people of what we believe is best – at the end of the day, where there is no consensus, the majority will decide and we all move forward together.
The ACDP is exclusive
A – some of the clauses in our constitution have had unintended consequences and large groups of people in South Africa who share a lot in common with us have felt excluded – eg Catholics, Zionist Church and the Jewish Community. The specific clauses responsible have been identified and at the level of a Federal Council of Provinces meeting, change has been agreed to – this change is expected to be ratified at the ACDP National General Conference this year. Of course anyone joining the ACDP, will only do so if they subscribe to the values and the constitution of the Party – there is no political party that expects any less.
The ACDP is Judgmental and intolerant
A – In articulating many issues that the ACDP has understood to cut across biblical principles and to threaten the well-being of people living in South Africa, the ACDP has unfortunately given the impression that we are intolerant and judgemental. As a party we are committed to a shared future for all people living in South Africa and are committed to protecting the rights of all people. 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.
The ACDP voted against the Constitution
A – The ACDP fully supports ‘constitutional democracy’ and will diligently protect the Constitution of SA. We did however vote against the Constitution in 1996 in protest against clauses detrimental to nation building and we continue to actively oppose abortion on demand, legalised prostitution, easy access to gambling and pornography, and the promotion of a homosexual agenda (we respect the right of people to privacy and to choose – but reject the promotion of a homosexual agenda and other harmful practices in schools and public places). We have also proposed constitutional changes through Private Members Bills such as the Constitutional Amendment to protect the right to life of an unborn child.
The ACDP cares about moral issues but not the hardships of people
A - The impression that we are more concerned about moral issues than ‘bread-and-butter’ issues exists – but only because we do not have the tax payers money that the ANC has – nor do we have the support of business that the DA have and therefore the projects we are involved in are not on the same scale – nor do they get the same media attention – so the work the ACDP does on the ground, although substantial, goes largely unnoticed or should I say noticed but not acknowledged as ACDP – just church or community assistance. In the past the media have only quoted us on moral issues and not the current pressing issues of the day – this is changing. Of course we are concerned about moral issues which we believe impact radically on everyday issues but...more concerned...no...as concerned...yes!
The ACDP Leader is autocratic and has been the leader for 20 years – we are afraid he will be the same if he were in government
The ACDP leader has on occasion spoken about stepping down – he is however, at present, the popular leader of the current ACDP membership. When that changes the ACDP Leader will change as well! The ACDP is committed to transparent democratic processes, to hearing what people are saying and to 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. The person leading the ACDP will always be a reflection of who the majority of people are who are in the ACDP – you can make the difference you want to see!
People don’t want another church
A – Leaders and members of the ACDP have wrestled for some time with the fact that the ACDP is perceived as a ‘Church party’ rather than a ‘serious political party’. Recognising that this perception restricted our work and growth, we have to a large degree moved away from this imagein the work we do at parliament, in the provincial Legislatures and local councils – where we are respected as politicians adding value and taking responsibility across a broad range of issues and portfolios.
We are now transitioning more fully as a party ensuring that our structures, policy, strategy and even our constitution - are in line with a new vision to promote growth and to develop the capacity we need to become an efficient and effective party that is ready to govern.
ACDP leaders have not been people of integrity
A - There are those in the party who have on occasion, failed to demonstrate leadership of trust and integrity. The party is committed to dealing with these situations - firmly, fairly and in line with our constitution, balancing the reputation and work of the party with - compassion for individuals and a recognition that everyone and every situation is redeemable. The best interests of the people of South Africa will guide our responses.
What does the ACDP want to do in South Africa
A – We want to see a stable and prosperous South Africa – peace on our borders and at home. We are committed to relieving and reducing poverty, minimising unemployment, eradicating inequality, providing trustworthy leaders of integrity and ensuring that crime and corruption is dealt with quickly and effectively.
The ACDP believes that a Christian work ethic, Christian morals and Christian principles applied in a generous and caring manner, offer Hope for a better future for everyone living in South Africa.
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Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions and sit down and write this! Very informative and also answers the exact questions people often ask!
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