South Africa’s ‘High Priest’ Ray McCauley Passes Away at 75

Ray McCauley who is a powerful orator and established the six evangelist-style Rhema Bible Church in 1979. He died at his home late Tuesday, announcements came via the church.

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

Tributes started to pour on Wednesday as he is widely admired and very influential yet he was also a very controversial founder of Rhema Bible Church in South Africa. The Rhema Bible Church has over 45,000 members and is known for being one of the most influential churches in South Africa. He stepped down as head pastor in 2022 then McCauley appointed his son as the new church leader but till the end he gave sermons until his last days.

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. 

Ray McCauley was accused of political bias in 2009 as he allowed the then-unelected President Zuma to speak to his gathering. He served on the National Interfaith Leaders Council (NILC) which aimed to provide guidance on the provision of social services. Additionally, he openly supported Zuma and members of the African National Congress (ANC) on numerous matters.

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At this peak of controversial and influential time, he was described as the “high priest of South Africa”. He was criticised for living like a millionaire and preaching the prosperity gospel. He was also heavily criticised for divorcing his 1st wife in 2000 which resulted in people leaving the church.

Ray McCauley used to be a bodybuilder and participated in Mr Universe 1974 and came top three.

President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his “deep condolences” and added that McCauley was “a remarkable leader whose impressive legacy lives on in the faith of hundreds of thousands of believers within and beyond the Rhema community”. 

South Africa’s former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela shared a very heartfelt statement, “I will always remember him as a person who pioneered inclusive worship long before others did.’’

The South African National Christian Forum (SANCF) stated,

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