Minister fraternal vis-a-vis Ecumenism : a close look at the confrontation between the South African Council of Churches and the then Bophuthatswana Ministers Fraternity (1976-1994)

Abstract

During the rule of the National Party in South Africa, the Bantustans were founded on the basis of discrimination along the lines of race as well as ethnicity. At the same time, some were offered “independence” which to many Black South Africans was suicidal especially in respect of their human dignity. However, this did not end there as it also advocated territorial advancement along the same lines mentioned above. The ecumenical movement in South Africa then was vocal in respect of the socio, political, economic and religious injustices of the time. The founding of the “Independence of Bophuthatswana” also opened a window of “opportunity” for them to establish what they called Bophuthatswana Minister Fraternity. Its functions were in direct opposition to what the South African Council of Churches stood for and believed in. This article will examine the socio, political, economic and religious context of that time.