A well-known politician and MP, Mr Joel Sibiya, urged all churches to follow in the footsteps of the early churches that resisted the injustices against humanity. He was speaking during the Calvary Christian Church International Africa Day celebrations held at the church’s auditorium at the weekend.

The church’s founder and visionary leader, Apostle Maxwell Masakona, said the day came at a time "when our country is bleeding from the wounds of barbaric actions of individuals who are murdering other African brothers as a result of xenophobia." Masakona said he had endorsed the day and it will be an annual event in the church.

Speaking in a packed auditorium, Sibiya said the early churches set a good example by resisting colonialism and injustices against mankind which, if followed by the present churches, could yield good results and lead to the total eradication of the hooliganism that is perpetuated against foreign nationals. "The early churches were vocal about injustices against humanity and it is time now that the church takes its rightful place in the community by spreading the gospel of peace, love and happiness amongst the people, irrespective of where one comes from," he said.

He said the church should impart knowledge to illiterate communities who have forgotten about the spirit of Ubuntu and have taken violence as a way out of their woes. "Churches have been the centres knowledge as mission schools sprang up everywhere where there was a church and leaders were born out of these schools," he said.

He commended the Calvary Christian Church for the stand they took against the senseless attacks on innocent Africans and encouraged other churches to follow in their footsteps as it was the right thing to do. "When bad things happen in the community, the church has to take a direction which the masses should follow, and what I see happening here today makes me feel very encouraged," he said. Sibiya called on all Africans to be united against the violence that is being perpetuated against fellow Africans and to condemn it with the vigour it deserves.

He added that he felt encouraged by the recent developments in the country where Africans can now sit under one roof and discuss their future in the Pan African parliament. "Before long, we will have one currency, codified laws for the whole Africa and then the dream of a united Africa will have been realized," he said.

Masakona quoted verses from the scriptures which urge all not to hate what God has created and to love one another. Masakona said South Africans should learn to embrace their African brothers and not to discriminate against them. "Do not exploit foreigners living in your land; treat them like anyone else, and love them as you love yourselves," he said. Masakona said his church would always be open to all who fear God, irrespective of where they come from and their nationality. He said alien nationals had a lot to offer this country in terms of skills and their contribution in this country was of vital importance.

Prof Emmanuel Oseifuah, a staunch member of the church, said he was proud to be a member of a church that cared for the people. "It feels good to be part of a church that cares for people and recognizes all Africans," he said. "I am a proud African and will always be proud of my roots," he said.