Abstract
This essay reflects upon the notion of citizenship in the context of post-apartheid South Africa. Citizenship discourse in South Africa takes place in the context of the movement away from apartheid, and in the context of the processes of Africanisation and globalisation. An attempt is made to make a contribution to citizenship discourse in South Africa by drawing from theological insights, specifically from the classic formulation of the four marks of the church, namely catholicity, unity, holiness and apostolicity. Based on these ecclesiological marks the following four sets of features of citizenship are identified: apostolic and inclusive citizenship; united and justice-seeking citizenship; holy and virtuous citizenship, and apostolic and responsible citizenship.
Highlights
During the years of the struggle against apartheid we described our struggle as a struggle for full citizenship
Does Christocracy have meaning for democracy? Does discipleship have meaning for citizenship? Does the nature of heavenly citizenship impact upon the nature of earthly citizenship? do ecclesiological convictions provide insight for contemporary citizenship discourses, in South Africa, Brazil and other parts of the world?. This discussion about ecclesiology and citizenship might enable theology to address the challenges for citizenship discourse tabulated by South African social scientist, Sharlene Swartz
Thereafter the discussion focuses upon the notions of united and justice-seeking citizenship, holy and virtuous citizenship, and apostolic and responsible citizenship
Summary
During the years of the struggle against apartheid we described our struggle as a struggle for full citizenship. The attention that Brazilian theologians give to citizenship discourse, and especially the research collaboration between theologians of Brazil and South Africa, have given momentum to the discussion of this theme amongst South African theologians. This discussion about ecclesiology and citizenship might enable theology to address the challenges for citizenship discourse tabulated by South African social scientist, Sharlene Swartz She identifies the following challenges for discussions about citizenship in South Africa today: socio-economic justice for the millions of historically disadvantaged South Africans; the nature of citizenship in a democracy after a long period of tyranny and totalitarianism; the moral and ethical responsibility of citizens; the role of religion in citizenship discourse after the ambivalent role of religion during apartheid, namely that of being oppressive, on the one hand, and liberating on the other hand.[3]. Thereafter the discussion focuses upon the notions of united and justice-seeking citizenship, holy and virtuous citizenship, and apostolic and responsible citizenship
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