South Africa ‘miracles’ church banned from showing ads with discarded canes by members

Church’s ad with crutches banned in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG — A South African church won’t be allowed to show crutches or canes in its advertisements after some said it was making false claims of being able to heal people.

The church, which calls itself the Solid Rock Church of Miracles, says its display of discarded crutches and canes encourages ill and disabled people to join its congregation.

But others have complained that the ads are misleading, and South Africa’s main advertising complaints body said Wednesday it is banning the ads.

Leon Grobler, the advertising body’s disputes resolution manager, said the church is now being asked to provide more information.

Revivalist and healing churches have flourished in impoverished communities of southern Africa.