Abstract
Different and own divergent theological views provide different structural models for ecclesiastical organisation to be applied in a "new" South Africa. In this article it is accepted that unity in faith among congregations (churches) in a cultural diversity does exist. After having considered several basic ideas, the ecclesiastical model of the Reformed Churches in South Africa (GKSA) is analyzed against its 16th century background. This ecclesiastical model took shape within the broader context of the political and cultural reality of the Netherlands during the Reformation. The basic idea underlying this ecclesiastical model accepts that due to a common faith the universal unity in Christ is revealed in the plurality and diversity of congregations. Because of this fundamental unity, ecclesiastical fellowship is also imperative. Applying this basic idea of the Reformation, a model has emerged which stresses the unity resulting from the recognition of the common characteristics of the true church, but also simultaneously provides for Afferent modes and opportunities of ecclesiastical fellowship.
Highlights
Different and ew n divergent theological views provide different structural m odels fo r ecclesiastical organisation to be applied in a "new" South Africa
In this article it is accepted that unity in faith among congregations in a cultural diversity does exist
The basic idea underlying this ecclesiastical m odel accepts that due to a com m on faith the universal unity in Christ is revealed in the plurality and diversity o f conptgations
Summary
In ’n nuwe Suid-Afrika kan ’n strukturele ordeningsm odel vir "kerklike eenheid" oor volks- en taalgrense been uit "ou" en bekende modelle ’n keuse m aak o f probeer om ’n nuwe model vir die spesifieke "nuwe" situasie te ontwerp. Die hoop op ’n "nuwe" konstitusie en idealistiese verw agting van ’n "versoende" g em eenskap m aak vrae oor "kerklike eenheid” binne kerkverband en tussen verskillende kerkgemeenskappe aktueel. In hierdie studie beperk ons ons by "kerke in kerkverband". Ekum eniese skakeling binne Suid-Afrika soos President de Klerk tans beoog en die bekende "kerkverenigingstrewes" tussen die "drie Afrikaanse kerke" word verbygegaan. Ons doel is om te kyk w atter m odel(le) die GKSA kan beinvloed e n /o f die gereform eerde model rigting aandui
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