Racism as a contradiction of the official social teachings of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa (Anglican) and in particular the diocese of Johannesburg from 1948 to 1990

Abstract

Racism as legislated by the government of South Africa, found its way into every sphere of South African life, political, social, economic and religious. Racism became another culture. It was in this culture that the Church of the Province of Southern Afiica (Anglican) and the diocese of Johannesburg found itself. To be credible and true to its calling, this church in its social teachings taught against racism on the grounds that it is anti-Christian and denies the essential truths of the gospel. However a contradiction in its teachings presented itself. Racism came to be found to be alive in its life and structures. The church came to not practice what it preached. Its practice did not follow its theory. For this church to be the church, racism needs to be purged from its life, practice and structures. A new way of life in the church has to be created and followed.