Liturgiese antwoorde op geweld – ’n verkenning

Abstract

Liturgical solutions to violence – an exploration

Violence is an action that causes serious trauma – also in believers. The concept of violence should thus also be addressed and accounted for in all theological disciplines. In this article it is attempted to give an overview of what violence against women and children implies. Possible liturgical solutions to the phenomenon of violence are subsequently presented as seen from a feminist point of view. The viewpoint of the “liturgy of protest” is also discussed and finally the solutions suggested by acts of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission are scrutinised.

In gatherings of the congregation, of family members and small groups in the congregation the traumatised should not be neglected, and the aspect of koinonia expressed by the community of worshippers should bring comfort and hope to the wounded in the body of the church – also by means of liturgical acts. Opportunities should be created for people to interpret the pain and humiliation they have experienced. These opportunities can also be utilised to remove the element of embarrassment that usually accompanies this kind of pain and humiliation. In every element of reformed liturgy possibilities are indicated that can be utilised in the processing of and coming to terms with the trauma effected by violence.