Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae

Faith in Conflict: Examining the Varied Available Chronicles of Churches' Responses to the South African Border War and Their Enduring Legacies

Pascal Pienaar — 2024-09-16

On 26 August 1966, the first skirmish between the South African Defence Force (SADF) and the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), known as Operation Blue Wildebeest, took place and the hostilities, which had been increasing for some time, were ignited. Thus, the South African Border War, otherwise known as the Namibian War of Independence, which would span the next two decades, began in earnest. This paper examines the conflict from the discipline of Church History in order to illuminate the nuanced development of the relationship between the church in South Africa and the concept of war, as well as the varied responses from different denominations to the conflict as it progressed. As the last conflict, which necessitated an active draft of South African men, the war's immediate effects were felt throughout society and persisted into the future. The churches' responses ranged from staunch support for the government's decision and involvement in the war to vocal opposition, thus reflecting diverse theological perspectives and ethical positions. The article sheds light on how different denominations responded publicly to the war, with the aim to highlight how these discussions were influenced by the circumstances of the time and how they changed in the following years leading up to the close of the war.

Burial sites as Contested Memorial Terrain: Historicising burial places of African Indigenous church founders in Zimbabwe

Phillip Musoni — 2024-06-14

Abrahamic religions emphasise remembering their origins, how they began, where they come from, and possibly where they will keep the flock moving forward without losing focus. “Then Joseph made the sons of Israel (Jacob) swear [an oath], saying, “God will surely visit you and take care of you [returning you to Canaan], and [when that happens] you shall carry my bones up from here.” (Gen 50:35 Amplified Version). Against this backdrop, this article discusses the centrality of the burial sites of the late Bishop Samuel Mutendi and Archbishop Ezekiel Guti. In July 1880, Bishop Samuel Mutendi was born in Zaka, Masvingo, and died at 96 in 1976. Bishop Samuel Mutendi was buried in Gokwe, Defe-Dopota. Archbishop Ezekiel Guti was born on 5 May 1923 in Ngaone, Chipinge, and died at 100 on 5 July 2023. Archbishop Guti was buried in Bindura, Mashonaland East Province. What is critical to note is that the burial places of these two church founders were not the places of their birth. From an African traditional worldview, family members should be buried in their rural villages closer to where their late departed relatives were buried. Additionally, the article observed that Archbishop Guti was given a hero status and should have been buried at the Zimbabwe National Heroes Acre. Still, Guti was buried at Chipindura in Bindura and not at the Heroes Acre or his rural home in Chipinge. The immediate questions one would ask are: what is the significance of Defe, Dopota in Gokwe and Chipindura in Bindura? Or what is the peculiarity of these two places? The current article found that these two burial places were chosen to preserve these African Indigenous churches’ history and pedigrees connecting the past to the present. This study employs a historical approach to uncover the significance of Gokwe and Bindura. Theological reflection was also used to interpret the meaning of choosing Gokwe and Bindura as burial sites for Samuel Mutendi and Ezekiel Guti, respectively.

Can History Bring Reconciliation in Divided Christian Communities?

Philippe Denis — 2024-10-01

As Elazar Barkan, the founding president of the Institute for Historical Justice and Reconciliation, pointed out, the recounting of history has been exploited to provoke conflict, incite war, and inflame genocides. Can it also be drawn upon to facilitate reconciliation? Indeed, many conflicts have an ideological component which is based on contested views of history. This applies to the Christian churches, starting with the Reformation. Using four case studies, the article argues that “good” history, based on reliable archival and oral evidence, can lay the foundation for a more serene view of the past and lead to reconciliation. It is essential to consider all points of view. The historian must navigate between diverse opinions and emotions, deepening the analysis when there are conflicts of interpretation. The article examines four recent memory debates in the Christian churches: the painful closure of the Federal Theological Seminary in 1993; the silence of the Rwandan churches during the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994; the brutal transfer of a group of black sisters from Newcastle to Montebello in 1939; and race relations and the search for unity in the history of the Lutheran churches of Southern Africa.

Two Sides of a Coin: On Whose Side is God?

B B Senokoane — 2024-06-25

The phrase “Two Sides of a Coin” in the title should be understood as meaning that there are different ways of looking at a thing or dealing with a situation and that they could be both positive and negative. South African history and reality is without a doubt divided into two halves, namely black and white. This history gave birth to ideologies and theologies arguing that God belonged to—and was loyal to—a particular race. For most whites, specifically most Afrikaners, God was always with them in their struggle against the British Empire and blacks. Likewise, for blacks, God was also with them in their struggle against white oppression. The phrase “Two Sides of a Coin” expresses these two points of view that are based on the same subjects or sources, namely God, Christ, and Christianity, although they end up with two different conclusions and I must declare that I am a black theologian who subscribes to the view that “God is on the side of the poor.” The sub-heading “On Whose Side is God” explains that the article interrogates the claim that God is “a God of sides.” The conclusion shows that God is not necessarily located on a particular side but is a God who is already standing at a particular position which naturally is the side of the oppressed and the side of righteousness. The article is divided into four sections: the first section concentrates on the Afrikaners’ belief that God is on their side. The second section concentrates on the white (non-Afrikaner) response to this belief. The third section looks at the black critique of nationalism and apartheid theology. The fourth section expresses the view that God is for all but stands on the side of righteousness.

A Short Overview of the Development of Historiography in Church History: Part 1–From the Development of Language to the Renaissance

Erna Oliver — 2024-08-30

In part 1 of the two articles on historiography in Church History, the reader is cursorily introduced to the field of historiography, its development that coincided with the development of language and the first written documents up to the end of the Renaissance. Part 2 discusses the modern, postmodern, and metamodern eras. Part 1 starts with a search for a suitable definition for historiography, adding philosophy to the argument to indicate its close relation to historiography and Church History. Only the most prominent and relevant proponents of each era are included in this historical literature review, which is done through document analysis. Although historiography forms part of all sciences, this research links the disciplines of theology, philosophy and history together by highlighting the overlaps that these subject areas have regarding historiographical development. It alerts to important principles of historiography used in research and practising in these disciplines that point towards opportunities for intern and multi-disciplinary interaction.

African Accounts of Religious Conversations and Interventions in Mental Healthcare

Daniel Orogun — 2024-08-14

The importance of healthcare has attracted conversations from healthcare professionals, as well as other groups like the United Nations, academic institutions, governments, the private sector, and religious organisations, all contributing to healthcare conversations because healthcare is foundational to human survival. However, there are questions on the quality and gaps of conversations and interventions regarding mental health among religious groups. This is because the quality of healthcare delivery may be rooted in the quality of conversations and interventions. This study explores the quality of mental healthcare (MHC) conversations and interventions in Traditional Religions, Christianity, and Islam in Africa. It interrogates past and recent conversations and interventions within the frameworks of spiritual care (SC) as a form of compassion science, interreligious collaborations, spiritual healings, and allopathic collaborations. Lastly, it places a searchlight on the loopholes of spiritual care in MHC and recommends closure where possible in the pursuit of improved healthcare and well-being in Africa.

Racism and the Development of Pentecostalism in South Africa: A Socio-Historical Analysis

Mookgo Solomon Kgatle — 2024-06-14

The historical role of the church in South Africa regarding the development of colonial racism and apartheid is well documented. South African Christianity and the concomitant ecclesiastical developments and counter-developments were directly influenced by the changing socio-political circumstances. The mainline or historical churches, including Catholics, Anglicans, Methodists, Congregationalists, and Presbyterians, were members of the South African Council of Churches that rejected and opposed apartheid. Some Pentecostal denominations were fundamentalists who believed personal salvation and private prayer would save the country. In practice, these Pentecostal churches were either largely silent or apolitical about the apartheid situation, or they isolated and segregated themselves. In reality, whether they acknowledged it or not, they were part and parcel of the system of white benefit and black oppression. This paper, therefore, attempts to investigate this phenomenon and also to put forward a theological praxis in the context of diversity.

The Study of Catholic Church History in Zambia’s Past 50 Years

Nelly Mwale — 2024-08-14

This article explores the trends that have characterised the study of Zambian Church history with specific reference to the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Zambia to commemorate the 50 years of existence of Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, a journal dedicated to themes of Church History and the history of Christianity within the African and South African context. Drawing on a qualitative case study research design that utilises document analysis, the article focuses on the scholars and major themes that have dominated the study of the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Zambia. It shows that the study of Roman Catholic Church history has been dominated by male Zambian scholars, with a few notable female scholars. The article further shows that the major themes that have preoccupied the scholarly focus on the history of the Roman Catholic Church range from its growth, Pentecostalism's influence, and Zambia’s declaration as a nation, enduring Catholic church engagement with the state to the church’s contribution to national development. The article argues that the scholars and the themes in Catholic Church history in Zambia point to the growth of church history as a field of study that requires sustained scholarly engagement.

Beaconsfield Seventh-Day Adventist Church: From First Church in Africa to Museum Status

Mxolisi Michael Sokupa — 2024-09-30

The first Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church building in Africa was erected in 1890 at Beaconsfield in Kimberley, South Africa. This article examines the history of the Beaconsfield Seventh-day Adventist Church from 1890 to the present. It highlights its growth, impact in the local community, and its eventual transformation into a museum. There are specific events and institutions of the church that will be examined in connection with this history. The article examines how mining, the siege, and the needs of the community influenced and shaped the church and its place in the religious landscape, both locally and globally. It also examines the various challenges and successes the church has faced over the years, both in its role in the global SDA context and in the lives of the local community. Finally, the article examines the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the church building as it embarks on its new mission as a museum

The Silence of Lukewarm Churches in South Africa Today: A Theo-ethical Analysis of the Implications of the Zondo Commission for the Church

Tshepo Lephakga — 2024-07-29

This article attempts to engage theologically with the implications of the findings of the State Capture Commission (commonly known as the Zondo Commission) for the church in South Africa today. The article is the product of a presentation by the author at the contact session of the Northern Theological Seminary (NTS) of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa. Initially, the author was in a conundrum because, legally, the church as an institution was not involved in so-called “state capture.” However, after careful consideration, it became clear that the church in South Africa had failed in its task as “the maker of conscience” (Batten 1902) or moral compass. Hence, this article is guided by the notion of “lukewarm” that is found in the Bible to refer to the conduct of the church in relation to so-called state capture in South Africa. The article explores the history of state capture and the politics thereof, as well as the role of the church in relation to state capture.

The Role of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians in Engendering Theological Higher Education in Africa

Linda Naicker — 2024-08-30

This article explores the transformative role of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians in engendering higher theological education in Africa. Grounded in African Women’s theology, the study analyses initiatives in championing gender equality, inclusivity, and intersectional solidarity within theological academia. The study highlights the historic journey of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians in promoting the integration of gender-sensitive curricular and nurturing a new generation of African women theologians. Methodologically, I adopt a qualitative design and use African Women’s Theology as a lens to understand the transformative strides made by the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians towards engendering theological higher education in Africa.

The Church and Forced Migration/Removal: The Elandskloof Case

Eugene Andre Fortein — 2024-07-23

The article focuses on the forced removal of the Elandskloof mission station through the implementation of the Group Areas Act. The study delves into the ramifications of the Group Areas Act through the lens of whiteness. The main argument of the study is that the Group Areas Act permanently disintegrated societies. Primarily, attention is drawn to the fact that forced removals started with the Dutch’s permanent settlement with the Khoi’s removal. Additionally, the Group Areas Act and its consequences are discussed. Furthermore, the consequences of the Group Areas Act on the Elandskloof mission station are discussed.

Who Qualifies to Manage the Church? Exploring Historical and Biblical Accounts of Management and Agency Theories in Not-For-Profit Organisation (NPO) Sector in Gauteng, South Africa

Kgaugelo Sammy Boya — 2023-09-14

As an NPO, the church has always required managers to run its affairs. In the books of Genesis, Acts and Timothy, there are inferences of management that human beings and churches had to adhere to. Thus, even though management has grown in other fields, such as business, it is also an indispensable commodity in NPOs in general and churches in particular. Qualitative research methods in the form of interviews and document analysis were employed. A total of 26 church managers from five Gauteng regions were interviewed. Data was analysed through the use of Atlas ti. Software. The findings indicate that while most participants had theology qualifications, many felt the need to acquire managerial qualifications. These findings suggest that church managers require both Biblical and academic qualifications in management. While most participants had theology qualifications, many felt the need to acquire a managerial qualification. This article contributes to the areas of management and agency theories. Thus, this strengthens the argument that all modern organisations, including NPOs, ought to be strategically managed.

Refusing Change Invites Failure: The Most Stubborn Figures in Biblical History and Their Implications for Contemporary Christian Thought and Practice

Mlamli Diko — 2024-07-24

The scholarly scrutinisation of stubbornness in biblical narratives offers profound perspectives into the intricacies of human nature and its intersection with religious faith and spirituality. This article explores the subject of stubbornness as (re)produced by the biblical experiences of Pharaoh and King Nebuchadnezzar. Psychoanalytical and cognitive dissonance theories are applied to these two biblical figures. As a result, three notable findings emerge. First, a spectrum of stubbornness within biblical narratives is uncovered, ranging from defiant resistance to unwavering commitment. Second, the enduring relevance of these biblical narratives for contemporary Christianity is underscored, buttressing the ongoing tensions between conviction and openness, and their implications for ethical decision-making, social justice advocacy, and interfaith dialogues. Third, this article suggests that the scrutinisation of stubbornness in biblical history could inform contemporary understandings of subtle church dynamics, particularly regarding leadership, conflict resolution, and community cohesion. In addition, this article underlines the significance of humility, discernment, and sensitivity in addressing challenges of spiritual obstinacy within Christian communities, promoting a balanced approach to contextualisation and application of biblical dogmas.

The First Time I Called Myself a ‘Witch’ Was the Most Magical Moment of My Life: Unmasking the Influence of Christianity in the Persecution of Witches Through Cultural Hegemony

Mlamli Diko — 2024-04-16

Whereas Christianity and biblical narratives continue to constructively form human, theological, spiritual, and social existence, it cannot be downplayed that these two central components sometimes lead to destructive perceptions, actions, and behaviours. This is because Christianity and the Bible have continually influenced the comprehension of humanity and spirituality for centuries. With particular reference to witchcraft, particularly in the South African context, this article aims to unmask and scrutinise the influence of Christianity in the persecution of witches. To do this, this article elicits three biblical pieces of textual evidence from the Bible as one of the historical Christian narratives. To unmask and address the phenomenon of interest, cultural hegemony as a theoretical framework is applied to these three biblical pieces of textual evidence. As a result of this endeavour, this article makes three notable findings. First, as Christianity could be appreciated for constructively shaping social perceptions, actions, and behaviours, it should be implicated in certain immoralities. Second, some of the historical injustices, such as witch-hunts and the killing of witches, have, in large part, been propagated by Christian and biblical ideologies. Third (last), Christianity, as a dominant culture of its time, ought to be unmasked within the contemporary contexts for the very reason that it continues to (re)shape contemporary societies, and it is undoubtedly patent that it may continue to (re)shape future generational societies. This article’s recommendations and closing remarks underscore the necessity to examine Christianity alongside its biblical voices recurrently.

The Disruption of Migrant Labour on the Labourer, Family, Community, Land and Religion or Church in South Africa during the 20th Century

Kenokeno Mashabela — 2024-06-27

The impact of migrant labour could not be avoided by the church during the 20th century in South Africa. Migrant labour has contributed to the national economic development of South Africa. This is an important aspect of community development in terms of growing the South African economy, building infrastructure, opening business opportunities, and for South Africans to benefit from this type of economy. Initially, agriculture was the best economy for community development, driven by African people who were heavily dependent on their agricultural economy. However, the policies related to migrant labour have disrupted and lowered agricultural production that existed, and which was also thriving as an agricultural economy. Furthermore, migrant labour policies promoted numerous cases of family separation and infidelity in marriages. White missionaries collaborated with the mine owners (as colonisers) in terms of access to education and freedom of worship. However, African religion, male labourers, as well as women’s dignity and rights were violated by these same policies. The article will first discuss the socioeconomic successes and challenges caused by migrant labour in South Africa. We then explore the role of African spirituality, the contribution of missionaries and African labourers in missions and evangelism, and the role of the church in addressing the socioeconomic challenges facing migrant labourers. Lastly, the article presents an analysis of the participation of women in migrant labour (by being employed to do household domestic work) and the establishment of women’s church organisations in urban areas.

South African Women Missionaries in the Diamond Fields and Their Work amongst Migrant Workers.

Pascal Pienaar — 2024-08-20

In the late 19th and early 20th century, following the discovery of diamonds in what is now known as the Northern Cape, many flocked to the Diamond Fields in the hope of finding employment. The mines within these areas made use of residential compounds to house and control the migrant labour force which they employed. This was proposed as a means by which any theft of diamonds could be curtailed. The result of this strategy was a closed community of men from different areas who would return to their home communities once their contracts had come to an end, usually after a three-to-six-month period. As the Dutch Reformed Church became aware of this situation, an opportunity for mission work was perceived. In response, several of the Women’s Missionary Union missionaries were sent to Hope Town, Saulspoort, Beaconsfield, and Kimberley in order to work among these migrants, as well as the other locals of the area. The perspective of these women missionaries with regard to their experiences among the migrants offers an interesting and previously overlooked insight into the ways in which the church engaged with mission work to migrants, as well as how different groups of missionaries approached the topic. This paper will engage with archival documents such as the Mission News Letter (the Huguenot Mission Society’s newsletter, which was written and administrated by women) as well as the missionary records of the Woman’s Missionary Union with the aim of examining the mission work which was done among the mine workers in the Diamond Fields from the viewpoint of women missionaries, with the aim of bringing their narrative to the fore.

The Impact of Traditional Health Practices, Revivalism, Patriarchy and Economic Factors on the History of the Baptist Convention’s Health Response in Post-Independence Malawi

Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler — 2024-07-22

This article reports on a study that sought to investigate the impact of traditional health practices, revivalism, patriarchy and economic factors on the history of the Baptist Convention’s health responses during the past 50 years of its existence in the South East Region of Malawi. During this period, Christians in Malawi continued to rely on traditional health practices, faith healing and biomedical medicine. Traditional healing practices were part of their culture and promoted by the patriarchy as some pastors of the church were also chiefs. Access to biomedical approaches became a challenge because of economic factors. Faith healing practices took a different form under the influence of revivalist movements. There are several studies on healing practices based on mainline churches in Malawi, however, there is a lack of similar studies on the Baptist Convention. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of traditional health practices and economic factors on the history of the Baptist Convention’s health responses in the South East Region of Malawi in the Post-Independence Era (post 1966). Based on qualitative ethnographic research, especially of participant observation since 2000, the study found that the Baptist Convention’s health responses were always wholistic and influenced by the Baptist distinctive of individual conscience, patriarchy, economic factors and church polity. The Baptist distinctive is the total of several precious beliefs and practices based on the Bible.

Migrants and Martyrs in Eastern Africa: A Historical Engagement

Julius Gathogo — 2024-05-31

The article explores the nature of “migrants” (temporal residents) and “martyrs” in East African Christianity from a historico-analytical design. It samples six cases of martyrdom, largely from the East African coast, to demonstrate the thin line between martyrs and migrants. An analysis of Bakongo Christianity, which was mooted in the sixteenth century, shows the legacy of “migrant” Portuguese who provided the first Christian martyr (John Robello) in Eastern Africa in 1585. In the course of engaging the sixteenth century and the nineteenth century attempts at Christianising Eastern Africa, the article brings out various forms of Christian martyrs, including the Mau Mau martyrs of the 1950s, during Kenya’s struggle for independence. It also brings out other forms of martyrs from non-Christian faiths. Hence, it cites the African indigenous religion, Islamic, and Christian martyrs. In sampling some cases of martyrdom, the article endeavours to ask: Is martyrdom the real test of faith, or is it the normal route for all “migrants” across the religio-social divides? Hypothetically, it argues that although some church historians ascribe the initial emergence and survival of Christianity in Eastern Africa to the nineteenth century European missionary explosion, it is the sixteenth century Portuguese migrants who first introduced a contextual form of Christianity in East Africa that survived through to the twentieth century despite experiencing a hotchpotch of challenges, where martyrdom formed one of the critical ones.

A History of the Fellowship of Youth in the Zambezi Evangelical Church (1983–2018)

Aaron Sekeya — 2024-09-30

The Fellowship of Youth (FoY) is an established name for the youth organisation in the Zambezi Evangelical Church (ZEC) in Malawi. Prior to its establishment, several missionaries attempted to organise the youth ministry in the church but with little success. The idea of having an established youth organisation in the ZEC was introduced in the early 1960s; however, not much was done until 1983, when the FoY was launched at Dombole congregation in Ntcheu. The original goal of the FoY was to enhance spiritual growth among the youth through biblical teachings and social support. Its establishment helped the ZEC to bring together the autonomous youth choirs which actively participated in evangelism and crusades. The FoY has planted new churches in urban areas and produced some leaders in the church and the community. In the early 1990s, the FoY embraced a charismatic spirituality which transformed the theological praxis and the order of worship in the church. However, the shift to the charismatic movement has led to a liturgical crisis which resulted in factions and split-offs between 2004 and 2018. For this reason, the FoY has been receiving mixed perceptions.

The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian 1924-2024: A Centenary Assessment

Johannes J Knoetze — 2024-06-14

By the early twentieth century African churches were emerging from the work of the three missions with a Reformed identity which were working in Malawi. In a two-stage process of union, the three young churches came together in 1924/26 to form the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP). In anticipation of the centenary celebration in 2024, Zomba Theological University hosted a research conference in April 2023, aiming to take account of the 100-year history. The conference recognised the remarkable growth of the church, which now has millions of members in Malawi and neighbouring countries. It has built up its own distinctive tradition of worship, spirituality, and witness. It offers a wide range of social services and is influential at national level in Malawi. The conference also identified points of stress and tension, especially the recurrent question of how to balance unity and diversity in the life of the church. While it has never completely broken apart, there has been a constant struggle to attain meaningful unity. The centenary may be an opportunity for assessment and action. Creating an instrument to give theological attention to issues facing the CCAP may be one way to discover and deepen its identity and unity.

Unveiling the Silent Narratives: A Multidimensional Analysis of the Stellenbosch University Faculty of Theology Building and its Impact on Teaching Church History

Leslie Van Rooi — 2024-08-16

This article delves into the intricate history, contextual significance, and contemporary implications of the building housing the Faculty of Theology at Stellenbosch University. Over decades, the edifice has garnered attention for its historical and architectural attributes, underscoring its role in the broader narrative of Stellenbosch, a significance predating and exemplifying colonial history. In addition to the architectural and spatial dimensions, the myths and symbols associated with the building are explored, adding layers to its complex history. The intersection of these historical elements with its current use within Stellenbosch University prompts a compelling inquiry into whether and how the structure influences teaching and research, particularly in the domain of church history. The article engages with the history of the building that houses the Stellenbosch University Faculty of Theology and attempts to find out if elements of this complex history finds expression in the different church history modules taught in its confines. The authors first work through historic and current source material that share information of the histories of the mentioned building and then work through the course content and foci of the different church history modules, attempting to find teaching links. The authors further engage with broader contextual debates related to visual redress and the contextualisation of symbols in the vicinity of the building. As such this article aims to address the pivotal question: Do the historical backdrop and current realities of the building shape the teaching of church history within its walls?

Ministry in the Tempest: A Reconstruction of the Life, Work, and Legacy of Rev. Andrew. Ndhlela of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe

Martin Mujinga — 2024-04-16

This paper focused on the gap in the historiography of Methodism, where the legacy of Rev. Andrew Ndhlela was undermined. Ndhlela was appointed the first native District Chairman and General Superintendent of Rhodesia Synod in 1965 and later president of the Conference in 1977. The first appointment coincided with the Unilateral Declaration of Independence of Rhodesia imposed by Ian Smith, which created a crisis between the country and the church and between the Africans and the Europeans. This schism resulted in tensions, frustrations, and mistrust in the country and the church. Politically, Ndhlela saw himself leading a church divided based on the tensions between Rhodesia and Britain’s relationship. Ecclesiastically, his appointment also caused conflicts as some Europeans felt that the natives were not yet ready for such leadership positions, and others felt belittled to be led by natives. Although Ndhlela succeeded in leading the church in these tempest times, the historiography of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe did not pay particular attention to a man who was the dividing line between the first and second phases of Methodist history. Using qualitative research methodology, the paper aimed at reconstructing Ndhlela's life, work, and legacy, focusing on how he maintained the church together when there was a possibility of splitting. The paper concluded by challenging the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe to honour the legacy left by Ndhlela of a united, inculturative, autonomous, and self-sustained church in the context of sociopolitical and religious conflicts.

A Critical Analysis of Ephesians 5:21-33 in the Light of Christian Marriage in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Daniel Unachukwu — 2024-08-20

Ephesians 5:21-33 focused on the relationship between husband and wife. However, the teachings of Ephesians 5:21-33 have been greatly ignored by some Christian couples in Ebonyi State and, consequently, resulted in marital problems such as domestic violence, divorce, frequent quarrelling, and so on. The study addressed this problem from the optic of Ephesians 5:21-33. The historical-critical method was used to study the text, while in-depth interviews served as a means of data collection. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select ten respondents who were willing to participate in the study. All data generated in the study were qualitatively analysed. The findings indicated that the call for wives to submit to their husbands does not imply inferiority but absolute obedience to the divine order in marriage. Also, the husband’s headship over the wife does not denote dominance but care, protection, service and love. The study encouraged Christian husbands and wives, especially in Ebonyi State, to love and submit to one another, thereby affirming the equality of husband and wife in dignity without denying their different roles.

The Relevance of the Gospel in Post-Apartheid South Africa: A Dialogue with Albert Nolan

Alpheus Magomme Masoga — 2024-08-30

Albert Nolan’s book, God in South Africa: The Challenge of the Gospel (first published in 1988), provides insights for both academic and general reading, making it an interesting book to read. Almost three decades have lapsed since the book was first published. Numerous Bible reading establishments (including theological institutions, seminaries and Bible colleges) have emerged, and new theological approaches to expounding biblical themes are coming to the fore. Post-apartheid South Africa has undergone various transformative phases, which the book did not address. A democratic dispensation was obtained in 1994, with Nelson Mandela becoming the first president to be elected by the majority of South African citizens. Post-apartheid South African societies have had high expectations at the dawn of this new dispensation. These expectations emerged from two fronts: (1) The praxis of justice and delivery of services by the ruling party and (2) the role of the Church and the function of the Gospel in developing and transforming societies. This study aimed to elucidate Albert Nolan’s book in detail and blend its contents with the lived realities obtained in the new dispensation in South Africa. The focus of the investigation was to set an agenda for the Church and the teaching of the Gospel to realign towards addressing socioeconomic particularities affecting the majority of South Africans daily. The study utilised Secondary Data Analysis (SDA) as a methodological approach.

Africans on the Vanguard: Historicizing the Origin of Anglicanism in Akamba of Kenya

Stephen Muoki Joshua — 2024-06-10

The establishment of Anglicanism in Ukamba during the 19^th century was by default as far as Church Missionary Society (CMS) activities were concerned. Despite its 1844 presence in the neighbouring Coastal region, it was not until the close of the century that CMS-affiliated congregations started to emerge in Ukamba. Contrary to Africa Inland Mission’s (AIM) Peter Cameron, who on 12th December 1895 went straight into Ukamba and bypassed the Coast, Church Missionary Society’s Ludwig Krapf repeatedly failed in establishing a Christian Mission Station in Ukamba. Consequently, Kamba converts in the Coastal region returned home as evangelists and established kitoro[1] (defiant) Churches independent of missionary support. Activities by these Kamba evangelists in successive years are undocumented and untold in London Missionary reports. Oral narratives in the custody of family and friends are fast fading away. These include those of Jeremiah Muti, Joshua Muoka, Nathaniel Kamusa, Paul Muyu and James Muthoka. The article relies on oral history and archival materials to reconstruct the story of early Anglicanism in Ukamba. The story of Jeremiah Muti, key among Ukamba early Anglican evangelists, is a critical case in highlighting the untold African agency in the early missionary enterprise.

The Dutch Reformed Church (1974–2024): From Dancing with the Devil to Waltzing to Heavenly Music

Johan Van der Merwe — 2024-09-09

The jubilee celebration of Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae (SHE) reminds church historians of important events that have taken place during the past 50 years. This article gives an overview of important events that took place in the history of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC). Being the largest white Afrikaans-speaking church and the church which biblically supported the political policy of apartheid, the history of Christianity in South Africa cannot be understood without taking note of the DRC’s journey. For the DRC, 1974 was an important turning point in its history as the policy document Ras, Volk en Nasie en Volkereverhoudinge in die Lig van die Skrif (hereinafter Ras, Volk en Nasie) was approved by the General Synod of the DRC. This document explained how the church motivated apartheid from a biblical point of view. It was – metaphorically speaking – the official start of the DRC’s dance with the devil. During the past 50 years, the DRC has taken important decisions that ended its dance with the devil and started a new dance, waltzing to heavenly music. This happened when the church decided to take a new road to reconciliation which was the primary goal. The article revisits Ras, Volk en Nasie, but also some of the important milestones along the road to reconciliation. It concludes with an example of how a congregation of the former apartheid church succeeded in making a difference in the local community. This confirms the fact that the dance with the devil has indeed ended and that many congregations of the church are now waltzing to heavenly music.

For Hannes Adonis: Demolishing Walls

Eugene Andre Fortein — 2024-08-20

The study aims to indicate how the lives of religious people can serve as a source of theological knowledge and beliefs. This study engages the life and work of Hannes Adonis through the methodology of biography as theology. A key characteristic of Hannes Adonis's life and work is the dismantling of all walls of division in church and academia. First, the methodology of biography as theology is discussed. Secondly, Adonis’s contribution to the Dutch Reformed Mission Church (DRMC)/Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) is engaged. Thirdly, Adonis’s impact on academia, particularly the South African historiography, is discussed.

Church Unity or Ecumenism: The Perspective of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa 1967–2022

Xolani Maseko — 2024-06-10

Right-wing politics is re-emerging all over the world, challenging the church to defy this trend and be true to her nature of oneness and Catholicism. This brings to the fore the question of unity and the ecumenical spirit. It is from this understanding that this article, which is an exercise in contemporary church history, seeks to contribute to the Reformed Church scholarship in the face of the current context of mission. The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), as part of Reformed Churches, has a rich history of union. This discussion stems from the hermeneutical considerations of the reformed understanding of church unity, and particular focus is given to the UCCSA’s understanding of unity and ecumenism. After articulating what ought to be happening, the article delves into the historical considerations of the UCCSA and Church unity.

Beyond Expectations in the Academic World: 17 Years of Publishing with Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae (2006–2023)

Julius Gathogo — 2024-08-05

This research article aims to bring out the author’s 17 years of research and publications with the Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae: Journal of Church History, abbreviated as SHE, from 2006 to 2023, and to establish its impact on his socio-scholarly formation. Methodologically, this drives the researcher to acknowledge the journal’s sharpening and preparatory role that has made it possible for him to be invited as an editor of an East African journal, an external examiner in various universities, and a conference speaker in diverse forums. The methodology also includes surveying the Church History Society of Southern Africa (CHSSA)’s annual conferences whose presentations since 2007—when the author attended for the first time—have enriched his engagements with SHE. Such presentations were later published in the journal. Key events that helped the author to come into contact with the first SHE copy have also been surveyed. The Mombasa Biographical Conference of April 2024, where the author was invited as the closing speaker, is viewed as one of the journal’s impactful events. The author was invited to address the gathering after his interest in biographical research was noted through his publications in SHE since 2006. Given this, the author seeks to usher in an East African perspective by drawing from the 17 years of his active participation in SHE publications and the CHSSA conferences. The latter provides the raw material for SHE’s publications.

The Church and Migration during Apartheid Times: Roman Catholic Missionaries Banned from Former Homeland of Qwaqwa – Witsieshoek

Dikotsi William Mofokeng — 2024-05-31

The unjust policies of the apartheid government, which came to power in 1948, made the proclamation of the message of the Gospel difficult for the Roman Catholic missionaries. Catholicism has always determined to communicate the Gospel in ways that engender transformation. However, the apartheid laws in South Africa hindered foreign missionaries from reaching out to the communities which were on the periphery. There was an element of the Roomse gevaar in the apartheid policies. The idea of the ‘Roomse gevaar’ (the Roman Danger) prevailed in the Afrikaans-speaking community and the corridors of the apartheid regime.

This article presents a historical survey of attitudes towards the missionaries of the Catholic Church in the Eastern Free State during the apartheid regime. It further investigates the impact of the Catholic Church on historical developments in the former Basotho homeland. This research adopts a combination of socio-historical and narrative approaches. The data-gathering technique is the main source of historical books, unpublished and Internet materials. The research is conducted in the form of a comparative Literature study. It draws from Literature on the historical book Patience Our Daily Bread – The Catholic Church in the Orange Free State and Kimberley from 1850 in the work of Professor J.B. Brain as the main source and my Thesis titled: The mission of God’s people in the light of God’s mission. A Missiological case study on the Catholic Church of Bethlehem, South Africa, and other sources will be incorporated into the discussion. The Eastern Free State is the area of focus, with the Qwaqwa homeland being the main focus.

The Quest for Kikuyu Anglican Churches in the United States of America (USA) 2016 – 2022: Their Establishments, Achievements and Challenges

George Kiarie — 2024-06-14

The number of people migrating from one region to another today has become rampant. This is attested by the movement of immigrants from developing countries to the most advanced and developed countries, mostly in Europe and North America. This unprecedented trend has seen a new phenomenon because the immigrants from the global South are perceived as economic migrants in the global North in the quest for greener pastures. Interestingly, they have opened a new horizon on the religious front. Against this backdrop, this article explores the endeavours of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) clergy in the United States of America (USA) to open or establish ACK churches in the diaspora. The article is informed by empirical data from in-depth, informative interviews conducted in 2021 with Anglicans in the diaspora. Non-empirical data from grey literature were also consulted, as the author’s observations as an immigrant Anglican clergy. This article establishes a close affinity between religion and migration because ACK churches became where these immigrants formed their identities out of their lived experiences in the diaspora.

Interpreting History. Unlocking Various Phases of History in the Story of the Upington Uniting Reformed Church over its first Hundred Years of Existence (1875–1975)

Leslie Van Rooi — 2024-08-12

The Upington congregation of the Uniting Reformed Church in South Africa (URCSA), established in 1875, is one of two URCSA congregations in Upington in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. The congregation has a long, interesting history entrenched in the sociopolitical realities of the “Coloured” people of the Orange River Valley in and around Upington. This article explores the history of this congregation, its origins as a mission station on the other side of the Orange River, and the complexities and perceived cultural boundaries linked to its establishment and development. Furthermore, there is the story behind the significant church schism of 1902. The article also focuses on the interesting, complex link between the former Dutch Reform Mission Church (DRMC) Upington congregation and the Dutch Reform Church (DRC) Upington over certain periods—a relationship of many phases. This is an attempt to discover new elements and perspectives on the history of the URCSA Upington, adding to current engagements and evaluations of congregational histories in eras before the so-called postcolonial era. Church and congregational records (including celebratory publications), theses linked to the establishment of churches in the 1800s in the Orange River Valley, and historical documents of the former DRMC form the basis of this study (source analysis).

“Africans and Christians”: Transitioning from Missionary-Guided to a Self-Determining Local Church

Valentine Ugochukwu Iheanacho — 2024-06-21

Pope Paul VI (1963–1978), in his homily on 31 July 1969 at the closing Mass of his pastoral visit in Kampala (Uganda), told the gathered faithful that his main mission was to foster what they already were: “Africans and Christians.” Lurking behind that papal assertion was the fear that Christianity might fade away in sub-Saharan Africa after attaining political independence. That fear came close to becoming a reality in Guinea when Sékou Touré, the country’s post-independent president, experimented with Marxist ideology by expelling foreign missionaries and even imprisoned the first Guinean-born bishop. As it turned out, the Guinean experiment became one of the few rare exceptions. The post-missionary Catholic Church in Africa is believed to have started its trajectory of growth and transition in the 1970s. In terms of a continent-wide consciousness as a local church, the 1974 Synod of Bishops in Rome allowed African bishops to come together to assess the situation of their local church and its post-missionary future. Their continental body, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), gave them the platform to speak in unison. Using the historical narrative approach, this research demonstrates the historical/transitional curves of Catholicism in sub-Saharan Africa in the last fifty years. Its point of reference is the 1974 Synod in Rome, whose fiftieth anniversary of convocation is in October 2024.

Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae: Eighteen Years of Editorship (2005–2022)

Christina Landman — 2024-05-31

From 2005 to 2022, a period of 18 years, the author was editor-in-chief of Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae (SHE), the subject journal of the Church History Society of Southern Africa (CHSSA). The CHSSA has been in existence since 1970, and SHE has been published since 1973/5. During the time of the author’s editorship, SHE was housed in the Research Institute for Theology and Religion at the University of South Africa, where the author taught and researched as a full professor. This article provides a statistical and content analysis of the 746 articles written by 862 authors which were published during these 18 years. Festschriften and special issues are pointed out, and themes are identified. Taking the insight “Interpretation is colonialisation” as methodological point of departure, the research findings are arranged under themes that emerge from the published articles during this period. All this is placed against a short interpretative historical background of the times during which the articles were published.

“Theologising the Bounds of Community: VOC Religious Policies in the Early Cape Colony”

Scott Spurlock — 2024-06-24

This paper seeks to challenge scholarly assumptions over the role that Reformed religion played in the first 50 years of the Cape colony. Rather than rooted in a doctrine of external holiness, it is argued the practice of baptism reflected a covenantal framework that served as a theological basis for ordering and demarcating an increasingly diversified community while maintaining strict social hierarchies. In so doing, the VOC created a community defined by covenantal inclusion and exclusion. While this radically changed over time, the early policy should be understood in its context.

Looking Back at the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe’s Adoption of Individuals with Special Needs as Spiritual Workers

Ezekiel Baloyi — 2024-07-23

This article explores the progress made over the last 50 years by the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) in integrating people with special needs as spiritual workers. In 1891, missionaries from South Africa founded the RCZ. The Dutch Reformed Church propagated the gospel using various strategies and tactics, such as evangelism, education, healthcare, and literary translation. Missionaries utilised education as a means of evangelisation during the founding and development of the church. To serve those with unique needs, the church founded special institutions like the Henry Murray School for the Deaf and the Margaretha Hugo School for the Blind. There will be a historical synopsis of such an insertion. Subsequently, the focus of attention will be the adoption of special needs people ordained as pastors and evangelists in Zimbabwe’s Reformed Church throughout the last 50 years. Ultimately, this section will emphasise the accomplishments and efforts of specific pastors and evangelists. The article ends with recognising the inclusive approach used by the RCZ in sharing the gospel with people with special needs.

The Evolution and Doctrinal Transformations of New Religious Movements Deriving from Catholicism in Zimbabwe

Francis Marimbe — 2024-04-16

This article delves into the emergence and doctrinal evolution of New Religious Movements (NRMs) in Zimbabwe, particularly those with roots in the Catholic tradition, exemplified by Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, Grace Oasis Ministries (GOM), and Emmaus Encounter (EE). These movements, founded by individuals with Catholic backgrounds, illustrate a significant doctrinal shift from traditional Catholic teachings to a distinct emphasis on prosperity, miraculous healings, and personalised prophecy. The study explores how the concept of confirmation, initially a rite of spiritual maturation in Catholicism, is reinterpreted in these NRMs as a divine endorsement for leadership roles. The article critically examines these movements' departure from Catholic doctrines of suffering and prophecy towards a theology centred on immediate prosperity and direct divine communication, highlighting the broader implications for religious identity and practice in the Zimbabwean context.

Interrogating the Rationale behind the Deportation of Missionaries from Rhodesia: A Case of Colonial Paranoia (1964–1979)

Paul Henry Gundani — 2024-10-15

The study focuses on the complex interplay between colonial powers, religious actors, and the struggle for social justice and racial equality in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) under the government of Ian Douglas Smith (1964-79). The study uses a postcolonial lens to explore the influence, motivation, and responses of colonial administrators towards missionary actors towards African nationalism and African political struggles. This historical narrative shapes church interactions in politics and economics in view of missionary advocacy and the legacy of African nationalism and its transition beyond that time. This fulfils the study objective, which is to investigate the contribution and impact of the targeted missionaries in creating a just, multi-racial and democratic Zimbabwe. The study examines five prominent missionaries who were targeted by the colonial government and deported out of Rhodesia. They include Bishop Ralph Edward Dodge (1907–2008) and Arthur Guy Clutton-Brock (1906–1995). Fr Michael Traber (SMB) (1929–2006), Sr. Janice McLaughlin (1941–2020), and Bishop Donal Raymond Lamont (O. Carm) (1911–2003). This study showcases the impact of missionaries on Zimbabwe’s ecclesiastical historiography.

The Response of the Dutch Reformed Church Mission to Labour Migration from Malawi to South Africa 1889–1994: A Leaf to be Borrowed by the 21st Century African Churches

Willie Zeze — 2024-04-16

This article mainly highlights what southern African Churches can learn and borrow as a leaf from the contribution of the Dutch Reformed Church Mission to labour migration from the Central Region in Malawi to South Africa between 1889 and 1994. It is argued that although push factors for labour migration were the legacy of Western economic imperialism, the Malawi government’s inability to create jobs for its citizens and some Malawians’ belief that migration from Malawi to South Africa was a means to fulfil their heart-felt and lifetime desire for economic opportunities, the mission played an important role in responding to labour migration. While it is understandable that the contexts of the 19th century and 21st century are different. Also, the truth that the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa supported the apartheid government, this article arguably stresses that there are important lessons the Southern African Churches may learn from the mission’s response to labour migrants.