Abstract
The Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika (Reformed Churches in South Africa [RCSA]) held its first annual historic general synod on 04 January 2009 in Potchefstroom. This was the synod that would last for 10 days. Someone who knows the history of the church would say that it was like the synod of Dort (1618–1619). Everyone was looking forward to it; yet, others approached the synod with great doubts in their hearts. Indeed, this synod reflected a true South Africa (black and white people coming together in the synod). In 2019, it marked 10 years since that momentous synod. This article intends to indicate the impact of Reformed theology on the RCSA over these 10 years. It addresses the question of how the local churches are doing after one classis, one regional synod and one general synod as far as unity and reconciliation is concerned. The question regarding the unity and reconciliation process involves converging changes of black and white churches. It is in the heart of Reformed theology where we find the confession: ‘I believe in the communion of saints’. This communion of saints speaks about the unity and reconciliation of believers, united and reconciled with God and fellow neighbours!
Highlights
Reformed theology is described by the very well-known five solas of the 16th-century reformation, namely, the sola scriptura [only scripture], sola fide [only faith], sola gratia [only grace], solus Christus [only Christ] and sola Deo Gloria [only to the glory of God]
I started with sola scriptura [only scripture] intentionally because scripture is a prerequisite for Reformed theology
The main reason God blessed a human being with a tongue is for a human being to praise him, and we find in the heart of Reformed theology, SOLI DEO GLORIA
Summary
Reformed theology is described by the very well-known five solas of the 16th-century reformation, namely, the sola scriptura [only scripture], sola fide [only faith], sola gratia [only grace], solus Christus [only Christ] and sola Deo Gloria [only to the glory of God]. The decision of the Church Order article 48 regarding the deputies of synod Midlands, Potchefstroom and Soutpansberg at a meeting held on 07 October 2003, 09 September 2004 and 09 June 2005 (section 4.2.1) states that every new classis and the new synod should take its own steps with regard to its language medium, within the framework of the official languages of the country (GKSA 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006:389). 1.Racism and paternalism in the relationship, sharing our poverty and riches, ethnic and languages diversities, a guiding vision about the countries in which the GKSA/ RCSA ministers, theological training, financial church assessment and major assembly structures, missions and church planting and worship, women in church office and other conflicting decisions of the synods, ecumenicity and the Capricorn churches and similar subsequent matters. Unity and reconciliation can be accomplished if we obey the rule of Christ
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