For two decades KZNCC has confronted gender-based violence, advanced gender justice, and engaged questions of sexuality and inclusion — mobilising clergy, support systems and theological imagination to make the church a place of dignity for all people.
Over the past two decades, the KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council has sustained multi-sectoral efforts to confront gender-based violence (GBV), advance gender justice, and engage questions of sexuality and inclusion. KZNCC has worked with civil society organisations, government campaigns such as the annual 16 Days of Activism, and community-based initiatives to shift social norms, mobilise clergy, church men and youth, and strengthen survivor support systems in response to persistently high levels of violence against women and children.
While research highlights significant levels of GBV within church spaces themselves, often concealed and linked to harmful patriarchal gender norms, KZNCC has increasingly taken on advocacy, pastoral care, and public mobilisation roles against GBV and for LGBTQI+ inclusion — challenging entrenched homophobia and creating platforms for more affirming, prophetic and pastoral church responses.
KZNCC affirms the church as occupying a deeply influential space in shaping social values, moral discourse, and community life. The church is called to embody a dual role: to exercise a prophetic voice that speaks truth to injustice, and to offer pastoral action that nurtures, heals, and accompanies individuals in their lived realities.
However, this ideal exists alongside a troubling reality. In many churches the subject of homosexuality remains taboo. LGBTIQA+ individuals continue to experience stigma, exclusion, marginalisation and attacks. Homosexual persons who are members of church communities are often subjected to rejection, silence, or condemnation, rather than care and acceptance. It is precisely within this tension that KZNCC locates its gender justice work.
Promoting human dignity and constitutional rights within church communities — that the rights to dignity, equality and freedom be upheld in practice.
Partnering with academic and theological institutions to develop life-giving theologies — including the Theology of the Church as a Caring Community and the Theology of Sexuality.
Mobilising churches and civil society for advocacy and action — supporting the development of inclusive church policies and practices.
Building the capacity of church leaders to engage issues of sexuality with theological depth, pastoral sensitivity, and prophetic courage.
KZNCC works with church leaders across the province to establish safe houses — alternative temporary shelter for the protection, counselling and accompaniment of survivors of violence, keeping survivors away from alleged perpetrators. Pastoral care and counselling is offered free of charge by trained church leaders.
KZNCC has trained church leaders from 11 districts to form support groups that reduce isolation and shame, provide a safe environment for sharing experiences, exchange practical coping skills, and inspire empowerment and hope — seeing others on their recovery journeys motivates those still struggling.
| Church / Organisation | Contact person | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christ The-King Family Worship Church | Bishop Khulekani Khomo | Mbali Unit 13 next to Zamazulu Secondary, Pietermaritzburg | 082 956 6537 |
| Uthingo Network | Brian Sibeko-Ngidi | 19 Comrades Road, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg | 033 342 6165 |
| Department of Social Development | The Manager | 208 Hoosen Haffejee Street, Pietermaritzburg | 033 395 9701 |
| SAPS | Station Commander | 101 Alexandra Road, Pietermaritzburg | 033 845 2451 |
| Church / Organisation | Contact person | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emmanuel Inkosi Inathi Christian Church | Bishop D.A. Ndlovu | Dannhauser-Emfundweni, Newcastle | 079 718 8661 |
| NNPL | Jabulisile Mdlalose | 24 Griesel Place, Newcastle | 067 121 1405 |
| Department of Social Development | The Manager | Charlestown, Newcastle | 034 317 1241 |
| SAPS | Station Commander | 76 Allen Street, Newcastle | 034 314 6156 |
| Church / Organisation | Contact person | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murchision Assemblies of God | Rev Mafungwase Mbili | Mbayimbayi Area, KwaKgesti Bus Stop, Shepstone | 078 885 4760 |
| Department of Social Development | The Manager | Lot 618 Ray Nkonyeni Road, Gamalakhe, Shepstone | 039 318 2552 |
| SAPS | Station Commander | 314 Court Road, Port Shepstone | 039 688 1000 |
| Church / Organisation | Contact person | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Church of God of Prophecy | Rev Wiseman Mhlongo | Hlalakahle Township, Tugela Ferry | 079 718 8661 |
| Department of Social Development | The Manager | 357 Nelson Mandela Road, Tugela Ferry | 039 318 2552 |
| SAPS | Station Commander | Main Road, Matimatolo, Tugela Ferry | 033 445 9332 |
| Church / Organisation | Contact person | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faith Care Community Outreach | Phumelele Mathonsi · Thandeka Mbatha | Mimosadale (Emabhalonini), Estcourt | 072 551 8963 / 079 057 8538 / 079 491 1446 |
| Department of Social Development | The Manager | Ekuvukeni A, Ladysmith | 034 261 1372 |
| SAPS | Station Commander | R33 Main Road, Ex Tugela Ferry | 033 493 0208 |
| Church / Organisation | Contact person | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Church of God for All Nations | Rev B. Nhleko | Mhlekazi Area, Mkuze | 083 756 3632 |
| Department of Social Development | The Manager | Thandizwe, Manguzi Village, Kwangwanase | 035 592 0394 |
| SAPS | Station Commander | 1 Blackrock Road, Manguzi, Kwangwanase | 035 592 2000 |
| Church / Organisation | Contact person | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| The New Church of Christ in SA | Rev Xolani Mjoka | 861 Locustrich Rd, Newlands West, Durban | 074 476 7330 |
| Department of Social Development | The Manager | 16 Prince Edward Street, Durban Central | 031 336 8700 |
| SAPS | Station Commander | 255 Stalwart Simelane St, Durban | 031 325 4453 |
| Church / Organisation | Contact person | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Restoration Centre of Hope | Pastor Khehla Shozi | Ensikeni Centre — Emjahweni, Empangeni | 073 207 7766 |
| Divine Purpose Family Church | Apostle B. Thusi | Iniwe Reserve, Empangeni | 067 839 2027 |
| Department of Social Development | The Manager | Kuleka Road, Empangeni | 035 796 6672 |
| SAPS | Station Commander | 46 Main Road, Fairview, Empangeni | 901 5803 |
| Church / Organisation | Contact person | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masibambane Safe House | Nomali Ntuli | D1515 Intaphuka Area, Ndwedwe 4342 | 078 199 3784 |
| Department of Social Development | Buyiswa Mchunu | Intaphuka Area, Ndwedwe 4342 | 072 094 8726 |
| SAPS | Ndwedwe Police | P 100 Ndwedwe Main Rd, Ndwedwe 4342 | 032 532 2356 |
| Church / Organisation | Contact person | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Assembly | Ps Philisiwe Dlamini | 232 Fairview Area, Ixopo 3276 | 061 910 9651 |
| Department of Social Development | Ntombenhle Mzobe | 317 Fairview Area, Ixopo 3276 | 074 369 1972 |
| SAPS | Lt Col Vidima | 5 Landsdown Road, Ixopo 3276 | 039 834 1013 |
| Church / Organisation | Contact person | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| God's Called Ministries International | Bishop W.L. Mayisela | Emoyeni Area, Waterbus, P.O. Box 2176, Pongola 3170 | 060 918 5654 / 073 261 8596 |
| Department of Social Development | Mrs Mthembu | Emoyeni Area, Waterbus, P.O. Box 2176, Pongola 3170 | 060 998 9711 |
| SAPS | Officer Khumalo | Pongola Police Station, Pongola | 082 454 8661 / 082 454 8663 |
In partnership with The Other Foundation and FOCCISA, KZNCC currently focuses on protecting and safeguarding LGBTIQIA+ leaders who are activists, and those vulnerable to homophobia.
Safeguarding involves proactive measures to prevent harm and reactive steps to manage abuse — creating safe environments for healing, implementing preventative measures, and responding effectively to concerns. It is a collective responsibility to protect human rights for all people, including LGBTIQA+ leadership. The work covers both physical and mental health, and is about promoting welfare and protecting from harm.
“We extend our heartfelt support to all LGBTI individuals who courageously shared their stories — your voices carry truth, resilience, and hope, and they are essential in shaping a more just and compassionate faith environment.”
FOCCISA Health and Gender Justice Network — proud partners of KZNCC in advancing programmes that address violence, promote dignity, and foster the full inclusion of LGBTI people within faith spaces.
Edited by Prof Philippe Denis with Dr Douglas Dziva and Dr Themba Khanyile, the LGBTQIA+ Book In God We Move and Live was launched to 150 KZN church leaders on 25 February 2026. The project was supported by The Other Foundation and FOCCISA. The book increases knowledge of the lived experience of LGBTI people, biblical, historical and theological debate on homosexuality, and the experiences of LGBTI people as members of churches.
"There is something sacred about being heard. Especially when your voice has been questioned in spaces that preach love. Tonight, we are not just launching a book — we are honouring the courage of those who chose to speak anyway."
This book was born out of listening — intentional, careful, and brave listening. Listening not to debate, but to understand. Within these pages are 40 individuals who did not abandon faith, even when faith communities struggled to embrace them.
"The launch of this important book marks a powerful milestone. It is not only a collection of stories, but a testimony to the lived realities of many, and a call to conscience for faith communities to reflect, learn, and transform."
We remain proud partners in advancing programmes that address violence, promote dignity, and foster the full inclusion of LGBTI people within faith spaces. May these stories open hearts, challenge harmful attitudes, and inspire communities to embrace justice, love, and equality for all.
A faithful record of 40 LGBTI lived experiences within Christian faith spaces — for theological reflection, pastoral training, and church leadership formation. Edited with care; nothing sensationalised, everything honoured.
Dr Themba Khanyile (KZNCC Gender Justice and Sexuality Coordinator) facilitated awareness-raising at the uThukela District Queer Community Pride event in Estcourt.
KZNCC organised a meeting with the KZN Church Leaders' Group to update them on LGBTIQA+ issues and the challenges that hinder equality and acceptance — especially in the church and in other places of worship. Dr Douglas Dziva, KZNCC CEO, presented in the KZNCC Multi-purpose Hall.
Bridgette Phillips conducting Healing of Memories — the focus of the meeting on 7 November 2025 was on individual and group counselling sessions, helping participants process trauma, rebuild confidence, and reclaim their voices.
This programme operates across provincial-level networks of theological, civil society and academic partners, alongside district and ward-level community-based organisations that carry the work into local contexts.