The South African Council of Churches (SACC) in Limpopo has condemned the abuse and rape of women and young girls by priests, under the pretext of offering them healing prayers, as "an embarrassment to the Church and a liability to its whole ministry."

"At a time when moral regeneration has become a national priority, it is scandalous for those who should be leading the campaign, to be engaging in tendencies that defeat the moral agenda. It is a trend that needs to be brought to a halt," said SACC Ecumenical Secretary, Mautji Pataki.

"As we distance ourselves from these tendencies, we call upon the people of this province, and the country, to expose any such acts by reporting them to relevant church authorities and even to police," he added.

He urged victims to seek healing through speaking out at home, in church and to social service workers. Pataki also invited perpetrators to seek assistance from the Church and other relevant authorities.

"Our resolve is to bring harmony to society by working closely with both the victim and the perpetrator, without compromising any of the. Our journey of faith dictates that we should offer justice, peace and love to those we live with," he explained.