Remembering the Heidelberg Catechism in South Africa today? Some remarks on the commemoration of a 16th century Reformed confession
Abstract
With the 450th anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism of 2013 in mind, this article
offers some remarks on the question what it means to remember and commemorate
this 16th century Reformed confession in South Africa today. The first part of the
article argues that commemorations invite us to be conscious of the close link
between memory and identity, as well as to the fact that our memories of the past
are often highly contested memories. The second part of the paper comments on
the status of the Heidelberg Catechism as a historical document, while the third part
of the paper extends the discussion with a focus on the reception of the Heidelberg
Catechism in South Africa. By highlighting a few episodes from its reception history,
the article affirms the view of the Heidelberg Catechism as an important identity
marker amidst contestation.