Freedom of Religion South Africa says a moratorium on religious gatherings, even at the lower levels of the country's Covid-19 lockdown, is "grossly unfair".
It has called for an urgent review of the decision.
Executive director Michael Swain says the total ban, even at the lowest Level 1, of any form of religious gathering (except for a limited waiver for funerals) is increasingly difficult to justify.
He maintains that a ban on religious gatherings is a clear material omission and that government should be willing and able to justify its decision to limit the fundamental rights of citizens.
Pointing to Section 36 of the constitution, he said that any restriction of fundamental rights must be reasonable and justifiable and have regard to the rationality and proportionality of the particular restriction.
It was difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish between the risk of infection in a crowded shopping centre or down a mine shaft, with the equivalent concentration of people in a church, or another place of worship said Swain.
He says throughout history, the religious community has typically been at the forefront of the response to the ravages of disease. Apart from offering fervent and continual prayers for the government and those suffering in our communities, it also offers practical service, spiritual counsel and support.
"These actions include the feeding and clothing of the poor, the elderly and otherwise vulnerable people as well as comforting, counselling, encouraging, caring for and supporting those impacted. There is also the significant contribution the religious community can make in calming an already restless society," he added.
-African News Agency
