Work

Adapting prophetic sociopolitical witness to coalition governments in South Africa

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: There has been an outcry over the lack of effectiveness of the Church’s prophetic sociopolitical witness in recent years in South Africa. This practical theological article uses Heitink’s empirical-hermeneutic-strategic approach and participatory action research to examine this premise. I discuss some of the reasons for this failure that my hermeneutical research has highlighted. Then I suggest a new action theory that would make this witness more effective in the light of the current new complex political dispensation (represented by a coalition called the Government of National Unity) and possible future coalition governments. The action theory then suggests that there has to be a new alignment between the South African Council of Churches (SACC), denominations and church networks and a mobilisation of local congregations, and the resources provided by lay experts in local congregations. This new alignment and mobilisation may make it more politically expedient and compelling for the government to take noti

Source: HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies

DOI: 10.4102/hts.v81i1.10721

Author: Arthur R. Tucker

Institution: University of the Free State

Language: English

Topic: Pentecostalism and Christianity Studies

Subfield: Religious studies

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $650