A nation in mourning. A legacy lauded. An icon remembered. Tributes have been pouring in following the passing of Pastor Ray McCauley, the iconic founder of Rhema Bible Church.McCauley, whose passing was announced on Tuesday night, touched a generation and left an indelible mark on the country’s spiritual landscape. Rhema senior pastor Joshua McCauley announced the passing of his father, 75, in a statement.“It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Pastor Ray McCauley, founder of Rhema Bible Church and an evangelical leader. Pastor Ray has gone to be with the Lord peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family and loved ones at 18:46. At 75, Pastor Ray had stepped back from active church duties but remained fully committed to serving the body of Christ. His enduring legacy as a servant leader will continue to impact communities far beyond his lifetime,” the statement read on Tuesday night.Since the news of McCauley’s passing became public, South Africans and the international community have paid tribute to the man who pioneered the work of the Lord. He was a pathfinder and one of the first to establish a megachurch in the country. McCauley was also respected and highly regarded by the country’s presidents and leaders from various sectors.South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa was among those who paid homage to McCauley.“Pastor Ray’s passing leaves our deeply spiritual nation bereft of a remarkable leader whose impressive legacy lives on in the faith of hundreds of thousands of believers within and beyond the Rhema community. May his soul rest in peace,” said Ramaphosa in a statement.Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela wrote on the social media network X: “Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Pastor Ray McCauley. I will always remember him as a person who pioneered inclusive worship long before others did and a leader who stood resolute on matters of integrity in state affairs, supporting the Public Protector without equivocation. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, the Rhema family, and the faith community.”Political parties, sports institutions, artists, actors, media personalities, faith leaders, and the public at large expressed their tributes across social media platforms, underscoring the significant role Pastor McCauley played throughout his lifetime.
