Pretoria church apologises to gay teacher

The Dutch Reformed Church has formally apologised to gay music teacher, Johan Strydom, for terminating his services because he was a practising homosexual.

Head of the congregation, Ds Dirkie van der Spuy, issued the letter to Strydom on behalf of his congregation's church council.

The letter was emailed to Strydom, who was on his way back to Jeffrey's Bay following a holiday in Buffels Bay. He could not be reached for comment.

The letter reads: "Dearest Johan, we are sending this letter to you in terms of our responsibility towards you following the judgment of Judge DA Basson regarding the claim you have instituted against our congregation in the Equality Court.

"We would again like to place on record that in giving notice to you on July 15, 2005 that we will not further make use of your services, we never had the intention to hurt you or to offend you. According to us you were, however, in a position as a spiritual leader, and subjected to the policy of our congregation regarding such leaders.

"The congregation took note of the court's finding that you, as a part-time lecturer, were not in the position of a spiritual leader and that the congregation's policy thus could not be implemented on you.

"Where our conduct towards you was regarded as unfair by the court, we would like to tender our unconditional apology."

This letter followed two weeks after Basson found that the Moreleta Park congregation unfairly discriminated against Strydom. Apart from ordering an unconditional apology, the judge also ruled that Strydom should receive R87 000 in damages.

Strydom took the congregation to the Equality Court at the Pretoria High Court after he was fired as music teacher. He worked for about six months teaching music at the congregation's art academy.

The church was happy with his services, until it came to light that he was a practising homosexual.

They wanted to speak to Strydom about it and "follow a path of love with him", but Strydom refused. He said his sexual orientation was a matter between him and God.

The church, on the other hand, said it was clear in the Scriptures that practising homosexuality was a sin. They also argued that Strydom, as a spiritual leader, should lead by example.

His services were subsequently terminated.

• This article was originally published on page 3 of The Pretoria News on September 12, 2008