Welkom by die brug! Opmerkings oor die brug-funksievan die Afrika onafhanklike kerke1

Abstract

Welcome to the Bridge! Notes on the bridge function of theAfrican Independent Churches. It was the pioneer researcher in the ield of AICs, Bengt Sundkter, who in 1948 expressed his fear that these movements could become "the bridge" back to the traditional religions. This article draws on research results which indicate that these churches indeed act as bridges, not bridges back to the past, but bridges between Africa and the Chrisian faith, bidges between the past and future, and bridges between personal piety and socio-political involvement. The article also challenges the convenional churches to cross the bridge of interacion and communion with these churches in order that a more "catholic" theology and church practice may develop.