The Kairos Document and Its Implications for Liberation in South Africa

Abstract

The Kairos Document presents a theological response to the deepening political crisis in South Africa which has far-reaching consequences for the Christian community in South Africa. The Document is unique because prior to June 1985 the churches tended to reflect a typical, liberal response to the ongoing political crisis. Previous resolutions of the major denominations clearly evidence this viewpoint. The only exceptions to this pattern were the Christian Institute, the University Christian Movement and the Black Theology Movement in South Africa in the early seventies. When we met as a small group of Christians to respond to the deepening political crisis in South Africa, we were very much aware of the serious confusion within the Christian community. Moreover, we knew that the prevailing theologies of our churches exhibited inadequacies and limitations for helping the Christian community to engage in the struggle for liberation.