An Ecclesiological Overview of Theological Training at the Stofberg Theological Schools from 1960 to 1994

Nathan C. Philander

doi:10.25159/2412-4265/17066

Authors

Nathan C. Philander Stellenbosch University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2412-4265/17066

Keywords:

Stofberg Memorial Schoolsls, General Synods, Central Management, Theological Training, Acts, Agendas

Abstract

This article is an attempt to fill the gaps regarding the systematisation of the theological thoughts on theological training in the former Dutch Reformed Church in Africa (DRCA). However, the article indicates a discontinuity in the story line regarding the development of theological training in the former DRCA. As a result of the fear of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) for equality between blacks and whites, separate churches had to be established for the four ethnic groups. The DRC was against “social equality” between blacks and whites and promoted “social differentiation and cultural segregation”. People of colour had to be led to independence under the guardianship of the DRC. This means that the DRC’s missionary policy was indeed a racial policy which influenced the training of ministers of colour. The effect was that missionary work became a movement from the white church to the church of the people of colour. In the fifties and sixties, the coloured churches became more independent, but the DRC wanted to maintain its control.

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