Abstract
The debate on church and party politics is far from being exhausted in South Africa. Although the Methodist Church of Southern Africa discourages the participation of clergy persons in political parties, it is becoming critical that the church offers a prophetic voice in the political sphere. Issues of morality and spirituality within the political parties necessitate a careful involvement of the Church in politics. This article therefore sets out to offer a theological reflection on the (possible) ministry of Methodist clergy persons to political parties in South Africa.
Highlights
The issue of the participation of clergy in party politics necessitates that we have a theological reflection on ‘party political chaplaincy’ in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA)
Based on the literature of the MCSA (The Book of Order) as well as on the theological scholarship in and outside the MCSA, this article mainly argues that any minister may provide ministry to any political party as a chaplain
The discussion on the history of the MCSA in the political sphere and the MCSA’s perception on chaplaincy as well as the debate on the theological rationale for Christian involvement in party politics validates the main argument of the present essay
Summary
The issue of the participation of clergy in party politics necessitates that we have a theological reflection on ‘party political chaplaincy’ in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA). If political parties are constituted by human beings who are made in the Image of God, it makes sense to argue that the expression of Christianity and the ministry of the Body of Christ – the Church – should extend to all aspects of life, including the political sphere.
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