Church Unity in Post-Apartheid South Africa

The Formation of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (1897–1999)

Abstract

This article seeks to investigate the process that brought the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa into being in 1999; how did it happen without comprehensive discussions and agreement under the guise of mutual authentic reconciliation? The union was the end of a movement that took over 100 years to achieve. The discussions between two Presbyterian denominations were dominated by tensions and disagreements throughout the years in a context of increasing racialisation and apartheid. Yet, it was considered to be the appropriate resolution of differences, which had originated in racist South Africa, at the time of the inauguration of the first democratic government in 1994. The political change motivated black churches’ confidence to reach out to their white sisters and brothers on an equal basis while churches of European origin, such as the Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, faced the future with a degree of fear and trepidation. The decisions that were implemented gave the impression of a union carried through in a rush devoid of clear definitive policies for the uniting denomination. Issues of power were at work, including resistance to change, the unacknowledged threat of change, and the continued domination of settler/colonial and missionary influences which enabled the avoidance of serious authentic discussion regarding reconciliation. The article indicates that greater awareness and care need to be taken regarding historical, cultural, economic, pastoral, and political concerns as prerequisites to union and safeguards built into the process of ongoing union. This study is based largely on primary sources. There are detailed records available. The Reformed Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa General Assembly (GA) papers were not published along with their proceedings of the GA. Greater detail is found in the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa sources, hence the greater number of quotations. However, the minutes of the Special Commission on Union and the closing General Assembly of the PCSA (1999) are not available. This article makes a contribution to ecumenical history of Christianity in South Africa and further afield as it discusses different emphases in similar traditions which became matters of controversy. It also elucidates some of the pitfalls in discussions which may endure beyond union if agreed-upon processes and policies are not put in place before union is consummated. It is interdisciplinary in nature.