Church unity and justice in the "Gereformeerde Kerke" in South Africa : perspectives from the Soutpansberg Synod between 2003 and 2008

Abstract

The quest for unity and justice in the church has become a central debate among the Reformed churches in South Africa (SA). It is clear that the church is divided into two racially divided synods, namely Potchefstroom and Soutpansberg. It is also widely believed that Reformed churches have no reason to be divided, unless it is because of differences based on confessions. Theological debates, ethnicity and language issues that were orchestrated through the abuse of church order (church constitution) occupy a central position, while the Calvinistic teaching on unity is undermined. These divisions from synod to classis level are making the biblical message of unity a fast-growing issue which will be difficult to overcome. While one division internalised church disunity and injustice silently, the other division claims that anyone who differs from them is vindictive towards Calvinism. The theoretical question is: If the division is not based on confessions, are their reasons valid to divide the church? This article seeks to unveil and evaluate whether the perspectives of the Soutpansberg Synod on unity and justice can be used as good reasons for division of the church. The study will be confined to the events and records between 2003 and 2008.