Mogoeng defends praying in Parliament

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng says he will not be bullied into not expressing his Christian values as it is his constitutional right. In an interview with Beeld, Mogoeng responded to a controversy surrounding his kneeling and prayer (or meditation) session in the National Assembly when President Cyril Ramaphosa was elected. ‘Is there a generally applicable law regulating how Christians in a secular state should practise their religion? I’m aware of opinions, but an opinion may never be elevated to the level of legislation. I know my constitutional rights and will always insist on protecting them.’ Mogoeng, who is an ordained pastor, says he will not use his religion to undermine any other religion, but will not be belittled or made to feel guilty about his religion. In the interview, Mogoeng also touched on the land reform issue and revealed that he had a meeting at his home with heads of agricultural unions such as AgriSA when the issue became a hot potato. Mogoeng advised them to make an appointed with the President. ‘I told them: I am a judge; I won’t get involved with (arguments about) whether section 25 of the Constitution should be amended or not. But I just want to say: You people have great power and influence and it doesn’t seem like you realise it.’ Stressing what he said was merely his personal opinion, Mogoeng reportedly said he did not believe land should be expropriated without any compensation, but that land owners should make some concessions when selling land to the state.