Pilgrimage of Presence: Endledleni Diaconia in Marginalised Communities

Abstract

This article explores the concept of Pilgrimage of Presence as an expression of diaconia in marginalised communities in Cape Town, South Africa. Traditionally the diaconal chain is from church to community or from Institution/ Organisation to the recipients of care. This article proposes that diaconia happens in the encounter between the church and the community – the encounter between the organisation and the recipient of care. The author is a pastor of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa and the diaconal approach of many congregations is that of short term projects (charity projects). There needs to be a shift in social and diaconal work organisations where appropriate, away from being a “supporter” and “provider” towards being a “ acilitator” and “ enabler”. Hence the concept of Pilgrimage of Presence and Endledleni Diaconia “On the Road Diaconia” where widows and unemployed young adults are placed at the center and recognised as new co – service providers.