De Freitas, Shaun2017-09-042017-09-042005De Freitas, S. (2005). The constitutional dynamic of civil society and the role of the churches in South Africa. Acta Academica, 37(2), 21-51.0587-2405 (print)2415-0479 (online)http://hdl.handle.net/11660/6735English: The concept of “civil society” is an important facet of the relationship between church and state. Civil society, as an acceptable and extremely relevant element in presentday constitutional and political theories, contains characteristics which promote democracy and the freedom of religious expression. The churches in South Africa need to promote their religious interests by means of the insights associated with civil society. It is, in fact, through this generally accepted and dynamic concept, that the churches, without reservation, must be included as effective role-players in the public arena.Afrikaans:Die konsep “burgerlike samelewing” vorm ’n belangrike faset van die verhouding tussen kerk en staat. Die burgerlike samelewing, ’n aanvaarbare en uiters relevante begrip binne hedendaagse staatsregtelike en politieke teorieë, bevat eienskappe ter bevordering van demokrasie en die vryheid van godsdiensbeoefening. Vir die kerke in Suid-Afrika is dit nodig om hul godsdienstige belange te bevorder deur middel van die insigte verbonde aan die burgerlike samelewing. Dit is juis deur hierdie algemeen aanvaarbare en dinamiese konsep dat die kerke, sonder voorbehoud, ingesluit moet word as ’n effektiewe rolspeler binne die openbare sfeer.enChurch and stateCivil societyFreedom of religious expressionSouth AfricaChristianityArticleUniverstiy of the Free State