Original Research - Special Collection: Interreligious Dialogue

Breaking the silence: Is the church failing to address South Africa’s sociopolitical problems?

Thabani E. Mkhize
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 80, No 2 | a9580 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v80i2.9580 | © 2024 Thabani E. Mkhize | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 18 November 2023 | Published: 09 May 2024

About the author(s)

Thabani E. Mkhize, Department of Practical Theology and Mission Studies, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

This article investigates why the Ecumenical Church in South Africa has not responded effectively to social issues such as bad governance, corruption, inequality, crime, and ethical decline. It uses contextual and comparative analysis to examine the historical, political, and theological factors that influence the church’s role and identity. It draws on missiology, practical theology, and ecclesiology to argue that the church is neglecting its moral and prophetic duty to uphold human dignity and value, and to offer hope and healing to all. The investigation identified six reasons for the church’s social failure and proposes some practical and theological ways to improve its social responsibility and witness.

Contribution: This article challenges the church to be a prophetic voice and witness for social transformation in South Africa. It calls for a national convention of Christian leaders to craft a unified vision for the country’s future and foster dialogue, cooperation, and social responsibility among diverse and complex churches.


Keywords

silence; misgovernance; mismanagement; advocacy; action; service

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