Systematic Theology

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Browsing Systematic Theology by Subject "Apartheid -- Religious aspects -- Reformed Church"

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    Die debat rondom die Belhar-belydenis: 'n studie van argumente
    (University of the Free State, 2013-10) Cornellissen, Erich; Strauss, P. J.
    English: For the past 25 years the DRC has been battling with accepting the Belhar Confession as a forth confession. Although the General Synod had already admitted in 1990 that the contents of the BC was not in any way contrary to the Three Forms of Unity, it was unwilling to accept it as a forth confession. Pressure from within and from outside however forced the DRC in 2004 to reconsider its initial decision. In an effort to appease dissatisfied individuals and factions a more lenient stance was adopted whereby ministers, congregations and individual members would in future be allowed to decide for themselves whether they want to accept or reject the Belhar Confession. Because there was no total or final acceptance or rejection of the BC by the DRC, the two opposing inside the DRC continues there struggle for domination. Both parties feel they have strong cases, but who is in the right. This script is an effort to find the eluding answer by way of a critical dialogue between the two opposing parties. Seated around a table representatives of both parties argue their case for the acceptance or rejection of the BC as a forth confession. In order for the discussion not to be sidetracked an agenda stipulating key issues will be adhered to. The main objective of the dialogue will be to ascertain whether the BC is truly a confession, and even more so, whether it is a reformed confession. The upset caused by the BC in the DRC rages on. Hopefully opposing parties will soon be able to reach a compromise. As long as there is Apartheid in the Church there can be no peace.