Religions Home Page

• "There is no contradiction between true religion and science".
  Abdu'l-Bahái
• "Have we received this religion from the Creator or has it been invented by man?"
  Jamiatul Ulama
• "The African National Congress has a long history of association with the Church. Our founders were churchmen and women. Throughout our years that link has never been broken".
  Oliver R Tambo

Here in Durban every spiritual soul will certainly find a home of some kind, because we live in a very cosmopolitian society, with churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and meeting places existing side-by-side, in peaceful harmony.

South Africa has a rich diverse religious heritage. It is rooted in the primary traditional spirituality from the beginnings of human community; it includes many historical religions imported from other parts of the world; and flourishes in the African indigenous spirituality, which is spreading so rapidly today.

In a democratic country like South Africa all religious groups are free to practice their faith  as long as it is not racist or offensive to others. The Constitution refuses to force any religion on the people; this ensures religious freedom.

In the words of President Thabo Mbeki: "The process of change has created a space for the religious communities by guaranteeing all the freedoms, particularly religious freedom, which should give these communities all the possibilities and opportunities to play their part in the reconstruction and development of our country."

The state must maintain neutrality with respect to religion in all of its public institutions, including public schools. Religious institutions need not be neutral, and can teach children whatever they want.

Religious education, on the other hand, is a different process. The educational mission of public schools in a democracy includes the responsibility to provide a free open space in which learners can explore religion, religions, and religious diversity in South Africa and the world.

At most public occasions, especially state occasions, five or six people of God from different faiths will be called on to say a prayer or a blessing. Religious tolerance is fundamental to South Africa’s mission to eradicate the remains of apartheid and colonial intolerance.

The World Conference on Religion and Peace is a faith-based organisation bringing people of different faiths together to work through issues and enhance interventions related to issues of HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health, wellbeing, family life and gender. The WCRP is associated with the Inter-Faith Forum and co-ordinates the Southern African region of the African Forum of Faith-Based Organisations on HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health.

We have tried to be as inclusive as possible in our coverage of religions in our city, but if we have excluded your religion or group, we apologise and would like to correct it immediately.

Please contact us with your details at spencera@durban.gov.za and we will add your group to the website.