Sacred times, sacred spaces: A study of the relationship between Melville Koppies and the African Initiated Churches who pray there

Abstract

Approximately 21 African Initiated Churches use the site of Melville Koppies West for prayer meetings on weekends. They have established themselves on the koppie over many years by creating prayer circles surrounded by stones as have many other church groups all over the city of Johannesburg. These churches are formed of people from different backgrounds who have come together in fellowship to practice their religion which guides them in the ways that they live their lives. This study researches sacred spaces and sacred times and their relationship to land in both the Old and the New Testaments. It investigates the issues of land in South Africa with its chequered history and how traditions are being created by these churches for future generations. The history and geography of the site is informed by an interview with the archaeologist Revil Mason and the Melville Koppies Management Committee through their website. The formation of African Initiated Churches in South Africa is explained through the history of missionary activity and colonial influences. This study uses qualitative methodology principles to interview the church groups to establish the importance of this land to them so that their voices can be heard if there is any danger that they may lose the use of this land for church services in the future.