This study investigates the role of the Afrikaans Churches in the quest for reconciliation in South Africa. Since it is a historical and analytical study, much use has been made of the relevant historical material. It is important in a study like this that there be a relevancy for this kind of study. South Africa is a nation with a complex society, who were weighed down for about forty years under an Apartheid policy, necessitating a probe into the influence of apartheid on society at large but also on the Afrikaans Churches. The different cultural groups in our country need to be reconciled to each other. But what kind of reconciliation? Many different definitions of reconciliation are given depending on who defines it. The politicians’ definitions were different from that of the church. Because reconciliation is a biblical term, it is necessary to look at the biblical mandate and how reconciliation is defined in biblical terms. Short overviews of the history of the origin of the different Afrikaans Churches under discussion are given. (Chapter 1) In order to understand the reaction of the different churches to the announcement of the constitution of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), it is necessary to look at those events that happened in the churches during the years of Apartheid. The fact that the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) is the largest church under the Afrikaners, explains why more space is given to occurrences in the DRC than to the others. Because Afrikaners work together in many situations, belong to the same clubs, etc. it is also clear that the occurrences in the DRC would have some effect on members of the other churches. Attention is paid to the polarisation and tension amongst churches due to race relations as it manifested itself within South Africa and also globally. (Chapter 2) Through Parliamentary legislation, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established for South Africa. It is important to take note of the mandate of the TRC and its method of work. Different reactions came from the faith communities and especially from the Afrikaans Churches. This researcher investigates the different attitudes in the churches as made known through correspondence in the different church magazines and daily newspapers. Attention is paid to the different reactions of the churches to the special hearings and the question whether churches must confess before the TRC or not. (Chapter 3) The reactions in the churches on the submission of evidence before the TRC are investigated. Only the DRC and the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of the Afrikaans Churches and four theologians from the Reformed Churches of South Africa (RCSA) made their submissions. The other churches did not make use of this opportunity to clear their slates. The submission of the Uniting Reformed Church of South Africa (URCSA)is also mentioned as many of its members are Afrikaans speaking. (Chapter 4 ) The TRC suggested some proposals on reconciliation for the faith communities. This chapter looks at the responses of the churches to these proposals. There are wonderful things happening where churches were obedient and involved in their surroundings. Mostly they are helping in the areas of poverty relief and unemployment. The question about unity between the ‘sister’ churches amongst the Afrikaners and unification between the DRC and URSCA is discussed. (Chapter 5) Is there hope for our country for reconciliation? This question was addressed to a few leaders in the different churches and their responses are given. Churches do not always know how to go about helping their congregants working on reconciliation. Three models are currently being presented in South Africa on how reconciliation can become a reality and are briefly discussed. A new model is then worked out and proffered for use in and by the church to help congregants in the quest for reconciliation. (Chapter 6) Chapter 7 concludes this study by proposing a few conclusions. An extensive Addendum is given. This researcher interviewed church leaders. Their responses and other relevant material e.g. submissions by churches etc. to the TRC are given. A bibliography concludes this dissertation. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Science of Religion and Missiology / unrestricted

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

In post-Apartheid South Africa the issues relating to poverty and specifically missional engagement with the poor remains a priority. In order to foster creative imaginations for this missional task, this research focuses on the discourse on four Early Church Fathers’ engagement with the poor. This discourse was brought into dialogue with four Afrikaans Johannesburg churches through phenomenological interviews. Using Susan Holman’s interpretive framework of sensing, sharing and embodying the kingdom dialogue between the teachings and praxis of Clement of Alexandria, John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, Augustine and four Johannesburg churches were explored in order to develop proposals for the Johannesburg church’s mission towards the poor. / Dissertation (MA(Theol))--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Science of Religion and Missiology / unrestricted