Tributes are pouring in for the widely admired but controversial founder of Rhema Bible Church South Africa, Ray McCauley, who has died aged 75.
“Pastor Ray has been peacefully at home with the Lord, surrounded by his family and loved ones,” his son said in a statement.
President Ramaphosa expressed his “deep condolences” and added that the death of Pastor Ray “leaves our deeply spiritual nation bereft of a remarkable leader.”
The Rhema Bible Church has over 45,000 members and is considered one of the most influential churches in South Africa.
The South African National Christian Forum (SANCF) paid tribute to Mr McCauley, calling him an “outstanding ecumenical leader”.
“He will be remembered as one of the country’s great Christian leaders,” it said.
Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela also shared a heartfelt message, saying he was “firm on issues of integrity in state affairs”.
“I will always remember him as a person who pioneered inclusive worship long before others did,” she said in a statement on X.
Mr McCauley played a key role in the late years of apartheid and spoke out against the racist apartheid regime.
Ramaphosa described Rhema as one of the “largest multiracial churches during apartheid”.
During the Truth and Reconciliation Talks, he confessed the shortcomings of white South Africans who “hid behind their so-called spirituality while turning a blind eye to the dark events of the apartheid years”.
His church became a mainstay of South African society and many high-profile figures such as former president Jacob Zumba, members of parliament and sports stars attended the services.
In 2009, Mr McCauley was accused of political bias for allowing then-unelected President Zuma to speak to his congregation.
He was a member of the National Interfaith Leaders Council (NILC), a body designed to advise on the delivery of social services, and he publicly defended Zuma and ANC members on many controversial issues.
At the height of his influence, he said, he was described as the “high priest of South Africa”. the British independent news site.
But he was criticized for living like a millionaire and preaching the prosperity gospel.
In 2008, he earned about 68 million rand ($3.8 million; £2.9 million), most of which came from tithes and offerings, according to Business life.
He was also heavily criticized for divorcing his first wife Lyndie in 2000 on the grounds that there were no biblical grounds. This divided his congregation and many people left the church.
Mr McCauley married his second wife Zelda Ireland shortly afterwards, in 2001.
Before becoming a spiritual leader, Mr. McCauley was a bodybuilder and gym owner. He took part in the Mr Universe competition in 1974 and finished in the top three.
Although he relinquished active church duties at Rhema in 2022, he preached a sermon at the church a few weeks ago.
He is survived by his widow Zelda, son Joshua by his first wife and three grandchildren.
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