The Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic (CRL) Commission has suggested resolutions for Pastor Bobby Perumal, who was caught on video calling Lord Shiva, a Hindu deity, a demon and casting various aspersions about Hinduism practices, during a sermon at the Queensburgh Congregational Church, Durban in December last year.

The video of his rhetoric was shared widely and spurred many Hindu organisations to submit complaints to both the South African Human Rights Commission and CRL Commission.

It has since been reported that the CRL Commission recently responded by proposing that Perumal acknowledge the pain he has caused in a written and video statement; attend educational and awareness programmes conducted by Hindu organisations to establish an understanding of the religions beliefs and practices; receive cultural sensitivity training to become more respectful and appreciative of different religions and cultures in society; participate in inter-faith discourses to nurture an understanding and harmony among various religious communities; and collaborate with religious leaders from a myriad of faiths to advance mutual respect and co-operation.

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Perumal made the suggested apology this week, acknowledging that his utterances caused religious outrage.

I sincerely apologise to the Indian community for referring to Lord Shiva as a demon, Perumal said.

I also sincerely apologise to the Indian community for labelling Hinduism practices as devil worship.

He also apologised for insulting yoga and wrongly associating it with Hinduism. He said he is very sorry and greatly remorseful and promised to never repeat such remarks.

Ashwin Trikamjee, president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said he was satisfied with the apology and remained hopeful that Perumal will comply with all the other resolutions too.

Trikamjee said he is more concerned about how Perumals comments speak to a greater issue of increased hate speech directed toward Hindus and Hinduism.

He said, This particular case is evidence that the Hindu community has had enough when it comes to comments that are tantamount to hate speech.

Ranjiv Nirghin, president of the Midlands Hindu Society, said that the society and its affiliates appreciated the steps taken by the South African Hindu Maha Sabha to ensure that Perumal was held accountable for his insensitive and offensive remarks.

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We have noticed that such uninformed remarks are usually made from a position of ignorance about other faiths, Nirghin said.

As Hindus we believe in Vasudeva Kutumbakam, which means that the entire world is one family, and we always end our prayers with Aum Shanti, which means let there be peace.

Prega Padayachee, president of the Sri Soobramoniar and Marriamen Temples, however, said he was not satisfied with the public apology issued by Perumal as it did not feel genuine.

However, I do think the other resolutions that involve him gaining an education in our religion and religious practices would be productive, as Hinduism is a complex religion that requires enlightenment to appreciate, Padayachee said.

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Pastor apologises for hurting religious sentiments of Hindus - The Witness