Rhema Bible Church founder Ray McCauley has died

Founder of the Rhema Bible Church South Africa, Ray McCauley, has died aged 75.

“Pastor Ray has gone to be with the Lord peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family and loved ones,” his son said in a statement.

President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his “deep condolences”, adding that Pastor Ray’s death “leaves our deeply spiritual nation bereft of a remarkable leader”.

The Rhema Bible Church has more than 45,000 members and is considered one of the most influential churches in South Africa.

The South African National Christian Forum (SANCF) paid tribute to Mr McCauley, calling him a “an outstanding ecumenical leader”.

“He will be remembered as one of the great Christian leaders in the country,” it said.

South Africa’s former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela also shared a heartfelt message, saying he “stood 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 became a pillar of South African society and many high-profile figures like former President Jacob Zumba, members of parliament and sports stars attended services.

At the peak of his influence, he was described as the “high priest of South Africa”, according to the UK’s Independent news site.

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.