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From: "Kammie" <>
Subject: 25 Jul 1804-2004 : Religious Freedom in South Africa
Date: Sat, 24 Jul 2004 23:17:18 +0200


Hi List participants

G M Theal [1915] in the 'History of South Africa from 1795- to 1872" claims
that on 25 July 1804, De Mist granted 'freedom of religion' to all faiths by
publishing an ordinance which afforded to equal protection from the law to
all religious societies "which for the promotion of virtue and good morals
worhipped an Almighty Being' .


With the pending British invasion, De Mist through this policy change in
1804 attempted to gain the goodwill and loyalty of the Free Black or
Vryezwarten community who were largely of the Islamic faith at the time.

As result of this policy change, General Janssen was able "to enlist Free
Malays as soldiers' for two divisions of the 'Javaansche Artilleries' who
eventually participated in the Battle of Blaauwberg in 1806.


It must be noted that religious societies were still required to obtain
permission for the erection of places of worship and assemblages. Thus it
would appear that missionaries of the South African Missionary Society
serving slave congregations were compelled to call their chapels by the term
'Oefenkamers' [or meeting prayer-houses]. These "Oefenkamers" were not
licensed by the Batavian authorities to compete with the Mother Church
establishment and its sister congregations. The Dutch missionary, Rev
Mannenberg became so frustrated at the negative attitudes of both the
Batavian and First British Occupational authorities towards the missionary
work amongst the underclasses, that he withdraw from the services of the
South African Missionary Society. He still, however, remembered by
contemporary society, since there is a township called Manenberg on the Cape
Flats.

The colonial authorities and local farmers, only years later realized the
contributions of the missionaries made in securing a ready pool of labour at
the various mission stations.

First Slave Church Museum in Long Street, Cape Town [not far from the famous
Metropole Hotel and eatery]
recommended website : www.longstreet.co.za or
email at , alternatively use contact route
via



Regards

Kammie
Cape Town

This proclamation, which granted freedom of religion to all South Africans
on 25 July 1804 will be commemorated with a nation-wide, month long
programme of events to be launched on Sunday, 25 July 2004.



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