Die predikant: bewaker of veranderingsagent in ’n tydperk van transformasie?

Abstract

South Africa finds itself in a transition period on its way to a non-racial democracy and an integrated society. This is in contrast to a past charac­terized by apartheid. In this transition period, many South Africans and members of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) struggle with questions and uncertainties concerning a future dispensation for the country and the church issues that need to be addressed. The question is whether the DRC, and specifically the minister, can play an active role in the transition to an integrated South Africa by, for instance, facilitating acceptance, un­derstanding, peace and reconciliation among church members of all races within the congregation and wider contexts. It is probable that ministers have questions concerning their own role, as well as the role that church members expect of them to play during this transition period.