"This matter has been dragging on for a long time. In the process, it has deeply divided the country, tarnished people's images and compromised the country's prosecutorial processes," said the church leader.

"We believe that the National Prosecuting Authority arrived at its decision to drop the charges after having carefully evaluated all the evidence and facts placed before it."

Given the NPA's briefing this morning, McCauley said the alleged abuse of the prosecutorial process is indeed deeply offensive to all who have a sense of justice.

"Though some may not be happy with the NPA's decision, it behoves all of us who say we are democrats to respect its pronouncement on the matter. Whichever way the NPA would have pronounced, it would have drawn criticism," he said.

"We all have a duty not to erode the integrity of the institution even when some may not agree with its decision."

McCauley went on to congratulate Zuma on what he said was "certainly a watershed moment in the ANC president's life".

He said this was not only a victory for Zuma but also a victory for the rule of law.

"South Africans cannot reduce the rule of law to mean prosecution decisions that they agree with," he said.

McCauley said it was his hope and prayer that the country does not sink back into political pettiness and instability as the NPA's decision reverberates.

A controversy broke out a fortnight ago when Zuma spoke in the Rhema church and McCauley prayed for the ANC president and referred to him as "our leader".

Some churchgoers walked out in protest and accused Zuma of electioneering in a place of worship.

Other political groups demanded a platform in the church, but were denied.