The Dutch Reformed Church, Beyers Naude and the ghost of Cottesloe

Abstract

This article revisits the important and controversial Cottesloe Church Consultation that was held from 7 to 14 December 1960 in South Africa under the auspices of the World Council of Churches. It focuses mainly on events that occurred in the Dutch Reformed Church following the Cottesloe Consultation. Special attention is given to the role of Beyers Naudé by drawing on some of his newspaper articles, speeches and sermons during this time (including some unpublished material). Given this focus, the article describes Cottesloe as a vital historical marker that points to some unfinished business for the Dutch Reformed Church on an ecclesial, ecumenical and theological level. It argues that the general response of the Dutch Reformed Church to the Cottesloe Consultation led to harmful ecumenical isolation and hampered the church from living out its prophetic calling vis-à-vis the state.