Verbum et Ecclesia (Oct 2003)

The theological coherence between the Belhar confession and some antecedent church witnesses in the period 1948- 1982

  • P Naude

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v24i1.319
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 24, no. 1
pp. 156 – 179

Abstract

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This article explores the historical and theological relation between the Confession of Belhar (1982) and some significant antecedent church witnesses from 1948 onward. After identifying these witnesses, a coherence is sought in the confessional interpretation of the SA situation, and core theological themes linked to ecclesiology, Christology and anthropology that� served� as� basis� for� the vision of an alternative society. Although Belhar is no �summary� of these witnesses, an interpretation of the confession� is enhanced by reading it against the ecumenical history of the time.�