Liturgical Colonisation and African Identity: Decolonising Worship in South Africa’s Black Reformed Churches, 1963–2024

Ndidzulafhi Mudau; Talifhani Khomola; Khonani Mukundi Maselesele; Rendani Nthakheni

doi:10.25159/2412-4265/20178

Authors

Ndidzulafhi Mudau University of Venda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1398-1373
Talifhani Khomola University of Venda https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2965-0000
Khonani Mukundi Maselesele University of Venda https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9779-4120
Rendani Nthakheni University of Venda

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2412-4265/20178

Keywords:

Reformed Church, Liturgy, Cultural Colonisation, Religious Colonisation, Black Reformed Churches, Synod Soutpansberg, Qualitative Research, Reformed Church, liturgy, cultural colonisation, religious colonisation, Black Reformed Churches, Synod Soutpansberg, decolonisation

Abstract

This historical analysis contends that Reformed church liturgy served as a methodical tool of cultural colonisation among the Black Reformed churches of Synod Soutpansberg from 1963 to 2024. This article illustrates, through historical analysis of liturgical practices and their documentation in the experiences of three generations of church members, that European liturgical forms were intentionally imposed to replace African spiritual expressions, alter indigenous worldviews, and establish cultural hegemony. This study, based on testimonies from 45 participants, including church leaders, congregants, and traditional practitioners, argues that liturgical colonisation was a deliberate strategy of cultural imperialism, systematically undermining traditional medicine, initiation schools, marriage practices, land relationships, and collective consciousness. This article enhances decolonial studies by presenting historical evidence of liturgy as a mechanism of power, while concurrently recording African resistance and adaptation techniques that maintained cultural authenticity amid persistent colonial influence.

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