Episcopal News Service reports death threats have been received by the South African Council of Churches President and Anglican Bishop of Pretoria Jo Seoka, and members of his family:
On the morning of March 15, five men armed with guns arrived at Seoka’s Pretoria home, declaring their intention to kill the bishop and his wife. The bishop and his wife were not at home at the time, but the intruders returned later in the day looking for them. They also made remarks that suggested that they were watching the bishop’s and his wife’s movements.
Yesterday, two different people telephoned the bishop’s home enquiring from those present about the bishop’s whereabouts. The callers reiterated their threats against the bishop and left a message that he should pack and leave the house.
From The Anglican Communion News Service:
The South African Council of Churches and its international ecumenical partners are shocked and outraged by the death threats against its President, Bishop Jo Seoka, and members of his family.
…
At the moment, we have no information about who is behind these threats or their motives. However, we recognise that Bishop Seoka, who is the Anglican Bishop of Pretoria, has long been an outspoken advocate for social and economic justice and a courageous opponent of corruption and unethical business practices in his capacity as a leader of the ecumenical movement.
Furthermore, we cannot take these threats lightly because we know that clergy are often vulnerable. We have been shocked and saddened by past incidents in which clergy and church leaders have been murdered.