Johan Heyns and critique in the Dutch Reformed Church against apartheid: The moderator a prophet?

Piet J Strauss

doi:10.4102/hts.v74i3.4965

Abstract

Johan Heyns was the moderator of the General Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church from 1986 to 1990. This church was known as a moral and theological supporter of apartheid until the 1980s. In 1980 Heyns was, for the first time, involved in public critique against the pro-apartheid stance of his church. He took an influential part in writing a new document that criticised apartheid and was accepted by the General Synod of 1986. Heyns was elected as moderator or chairman of this synod. The years from 1986 to 1990 became the busiest of his life. He became the leader in his church’s defence of the new document Church and Society in and beyond South Africa. In order to get back into the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and to stay on in the Reformed Ecumenical Synod, the Dutch Reformed Church decided to depart from its apartheid ways. Heyns’ message on apartheid was shaped by his Reformed approach to life, in which he chose reform as the method for change.

Highlights

In the history of apartheid in South Africa, the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) was known as a moral and theological supporter of this societal system until the 1980s
The DRC was re-admitted as a member of the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC) in 1992, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) in 1998 and the World Council of Churches (WCC) in 2015
Johan Heyns was, more than anyone else, the prophet who led the DRC to renounce its support of apartheid

Summary

Introduction

In the history of apartheid in South Africa, the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) was known as a moral and theological supporter of this societal system until the 1980s. In his well-documented and judicious study on Heyns, the DRC and apartheid, Williams concludes that Heyns’ first significant public criticism against the DRC and its support of apartheid South Africa was published in the Reformation Day Witness of 05 November 1980.

Results

Conclusion