• What Is Currently Underway
Our Current Initiatives
The Concerned Members Group proceeds in an orderly, respectful, and policy-aligned manner. This page details the active workstreams, the policy framework being reviewed, and the steps being taken toward formal recommendations through recognised denominational processes.
Featured Document · Open Letter
Open Letter to the Churches of the Cape Conference
On 8 June 2026, the Concerned Members Group formally issued an Open Letter addressed to pastors, elders, church boards, and members across the Cape Conference. This letter serves as the group's official introduction — outlining who we are, why we were formed, what we stand for, and our call to prayerful engagement.
The letter was sent in a spirit of respect, love, and genuine concern for the spiritual health and governance integrity of the Cape Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Addressed To
Pastors
Elders
Church Boards
Members
Cape Conference
Active Work
Four Active Workstreams
Each workstream is being pursued in an orderly, respectful, and policy-aligned manner — with the goal of constructive engagement and formal recommendations through recognised denominational structures.
01
● Active
Church Engagement
The CMG is actively engaging local churches, church boards, elders, pastors, and members across the Cape Conference. We are listening — not just gathering complaints, but genuinely seeking to understand the full picture of concerns affecting the Conference.
This listening process is the foundation of every other workstream. Without understanding the full scope of concerns from members on the ground, no meaningful recommendations can be developed.
- Direct engagement with local church boards and elders
- Listening sessions with affected members and workers
- Collecting documented accounts where appropriate
- Ensuring a broad and representative picture is built
02
● Active
Information Sharing
Informed members are better equipped to participate meaningfully in church governance. The CMG is committed to providing accurate, factual information and relevant documentation to assist members in understanding governance-related matters affecting the Cape Conference.
All information shared by the CMG will be accurate, documented, and presented in context — we do not spread rumour, speculation, or unverified claims.
- Sharing relevant policy provisions and Church Manual references
- Providing context for governance decisions that have affected the Conference
- Making the Open Letter and supporting documents available
- This website as an ongoing information resource
03
◐ In Progress
Policy Review
The CMG is conducting a structured review of all applicable policy provisions — from Scripture, through the SDA Church Manual, to Union, Division, and General Conference Working Policy. This review ensures that every recommendation the CMG develops is grounded in the Church's own established framework.
We will not recommend anything that is not supportable by the Church's own policy. Our goal is reform through the Church's own processes — not around them.
- Holy Scriptures — the ultimate standard for Church governance
- SDA Church Manual — current edition
- Southern Africa Union Conference Policies
- Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division Policies
- General Conference Working Policy
04
◐ In Progress
Expert Consultation & Recommendations
The CMG is consulting with members, church leaders, governance professionals, legal practitioners, and individuals experienced in denominational administration — to ensure that formal recommendations are well-founded, fair, and practicable.
Where appropriate, these recommendations will be submitted through recognised denominational structures and channels for formal consideration by the relevant bodies.
- Consultation with SDA governance and policy experts
- Legal review of applicable labour and constitutional requirements
- Development of written, documented recommendations
- Submission through proper denominational channels
Our Framework
Policy & Scripture Under Review
Every recommendation developed by the CMG will be grounded in the Church's own established framework. These are the primary sources being reviewed.
Primary Authority
Holy Scriptures
- Principles of servant leadership
- Stewardship and accountability
- Justice and due process
- Unity grounded in truth
- The mission of the Remnant
Denominational Standard
SDA Church Manual
- Southern Africa Union Conference Constitution
- SAU Employee Relations Policy
- SAU Financial Policies
- SID Division Working Policy
- Conference-level constitutions
Regional Policies
SAU & SID Policies
- Church governance structures
- Conference operations
- Disciplinary processes
- Member rights and responsibilities
- Appeals and review mechanisms
Global Standard
GC Working Policy
- B-Series — Organisation & Governance
- L-Series — Stewardship & Finance
- BA — Committee Operations
- BE — Employment Standards
- GC Auditing Service Requirements
How We Proceed
Our Process — Step by Step
Listen & Document
Engage members, workers, and churches across the Conference. Document concerns accurately and fairly.
Research & Review
Review applicable Scripture, Church Manual provisions, and Working Policy. Consult with governance experts.
Develop Recommendations
Develop clear, policy-grounded, written recommendations in consultation with relevant expertise.
Submit Through Proper Channels
Submit formal recommendations through recognised denominational structures — Conference, Union, Division, or GC.
Pray & Trust God
Through every step — pray for wisdom, humility, reconciliation, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
"We are committed to conducting ourselves in a Christ-like manner — pursuing truth, justice, accountability, and reconciliation at every step."
— Concerned Members Group · Open Letter · June 2026
Want to Be Part of This Work?
Join fellow members in prayer, add your voice, and support the CMG's commitment to accountability, transparency, and biblical leadership.