Inclusive or exclusive? An analysis of the missiological response of the Reformed Church in Africa (RCA) towards inhabitants of informal settlements

Authors

  • P Verster
  • M Sukdaven
  • S VanVuuren

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17570/ngtt.2008.v49n3.a28

Keywords:

Church, Exclusive, Inclusive, Mission, Reformed Church in Africa

Abstract

The RCA is the youngest and smallest church within the Dutch Reformed family of churches. Its mission focus was predominantly on “Indians†in South Africa. With the repeal of all segregated legislation based on race classification, South Africa witnessed a larger and legal migration of people from rural to urban areas. This resulted in many “informal settlements†being established. This new development offered new challenges to the RCA churches. Whereas in the past the RCA focussed its mission on its own racial group (Indians), it had to now contend with mission to the “informal settlements†around its neighbourhood. This article assesses the perception and response of members of the RCA congregations, within the RCA Presbytery of Gauteng, towards the inclusion of “informal settlements†as also part of their mission focus.

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Published

2008-12-31

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