The impact of Reformed theology on church unity and reconciliation in the Reformed Churches in South Africa since the first general synod, 2009

• Published in: In die skriflig : tydskrif van die Gereformeerde Teologiese Vereniging Vol. 54; no. 2; pp. 1 - 7
• Main Author: Mathundela, Chaka C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Potchefstroom AOSIS 2020; African Online Scientific Information Systems (Pty) Ltd t/a AOSIS; AOSIS (Pty) Ltd; Reformed Theological Society
• Subjects: Apartheid; Caring of retired ministers; Christianity; Clergy; Councils and synods; Language questions; pension fund; Pension funds; RCSA synod 2009; Reconciliation; Reformed Theology; Religion; Religious organizations; Sustentation fund; Theology; Thuso fund; Unity; South Africa; RCSA synod 2009; Thuso fund; Unity; Pension fund; Reformed theology; Reconciliation; Caring of retired ministers; Sustentation fund; Language questions
• ISSN: 1018-6441; 2305-0853; 2305-0853
• DOI: 10.4102/ids.v54i2.2570

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!