South Africa’s ‘high priest’ Ray McCauley dies aged 75
Tributes are flowing in for Ray McCauley, the founder of Rhema Bible Church South Africa, who has passed away at the age of 75. He was widely admired but also a controversial figure.
His son released a statement saying, “Pastor Ray has gone to be with the Lord peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family and loved ones.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his “deep condolences,” noting that Pastor Ray’s passing “leaves our deeply spiritual nation without a remarkable leader.”
With over 45,000 members, Rhema Bible Church is regarded as one of the most influential churches in South Africa.
The South African National Christian Forum (SANCF) honored Mr. McCauley, describing him as “an outstanding ecumenical leader.” They added, “He will be remembered as one of the great Christian leaders in the country.”
Former South African Public Protector Thuli Madonsela also shared a heartfelt tribute, praising him for “standing resolute on matters 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 closing their eyes to the dark events of the apartheid years”.
His church become a pillar of South African society and many high-profile figures like former President Jacob Zumba, members of parliament and sports stars attended services.
In 2009 Mr McCauley was accused of political bias as he allowed the then-unelected President Zuma to speak to his congregation.
He was a member of the National Interfaith Leaders Council (NILC), a body meant to advise on delivery of social services, and he publicly defended Zuma and African National Congress (ANC) members on many controversial issues.
At the peak of his influence he was described as the “high priest of South Africa”, according to the UK’s Independent news site.
But he was criticised for living like a millionaire and preaching the prosperity gospel.
In 2008, he earned about 68m rand ($3.8m; £2.9m), most of which came from tithes and offerings, according to South Africa’s Business Day paper.
He was also heavily criticised for divorcing his first wife Lyndie in 2000, as 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 he became a spiritual leader, Mr McCauley was a bodybuilder and owned gyms. He took part in the Mr Universe competition in 1974 and came in the top three.
Although he stepped back from 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.
