This study investigates the behaviour and pastoral role of the three Dutch-Afrikaans churches during the Second World War. The churches were not only affected by the emergency measures and the rationing, but also by division among themselves. Many members fiercely opposed war participation and supported the Ossewabrandwag as a resistance organisation, with the acceptance and approval of the local church council. Other members supported the war effort, which led to much tension in the congregations and in relationships. This division had such an influence on the congregations that churches rather strived towards peace in the congregations than to pastorally address the needs of the affected. Churches comfortably shifted this responsibility onto the civil organisations such as the Ossewabrandwag Emergency Fund, State funding and the provision of Field preachers by the government. This study shows that the churches neglected their pastoral responsibility towards those members affected by the war. / PhD (Church and Dogma History), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

This study investigates the behaviour and pastoral role of the three Dutch-Afrikaans churches during the Second World War. The churches were not only affected by the emergency measures and the rationing, but also by division among themselves. Many members fiercely opposed war participation and supported the Ossewabrandwag as a resistance organisation, with the acceptance and approval of the local church council. Other members supported the war effort, which led to much tension in the congregations and in relationships. This division had such an influence on the congregations that churches rather strived towards peace in the congregations than to pastorally address the needs of the affected. Churches comfortably shifted this responsibility onto the civil organisations such as the Ossewabrandwag Emergency Fund, State funding and the provision of Field preachers by the government. This study shows that the churches neglected their pastoral responsibility towards those members affected by the war. / PhD (Church and Dogma History), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014