Presbyterian Mission Agency South Africa Archives

‘Race, Reparations and Reconciliation’ webinar

Posted May 25th, 2021

For Christians, racial reconciliation is an obligation, a calling and a ministry entrusted to us by God.

‘That they all may be one’

Posted April 8th, 2021

Racism in South Africa was legally instituted and theologically justified by some churches. It has remained embedded in the fabric of society to this day, manifesting itself in many subtle ways that cause racial discrimination, inequality, violence and ridicule of the “other.”

COVID-19 surges in Southern Africa

Posted March 3rd, 2021

After comparatively low rates of COVID-19 infection throughout most of 2020, Southern Africa experienced dramatically increased caseloads in the wake of the holiday season.

Leading through strength of diversity

Posted February 9th, 2021

A self-described “proud South African,” Dr. Warren Chalklen had plenty to teach the 1,000 or so people attending last week’s online national gathering of the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators about how diversity makes churches and organizations stronger.

Southern Africa Presbyterians express solidarity with US in the struggle for racial justice

Posted June 12th, 2020

The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground…” (Genesis 4: 10 NIV) This was the opening passage of a heartfelt and prophetic pastoral message that the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA) sent to its congregations condemning systemic and structural injustice and lamenting security force excesses in both South Africa and the United States.

Belhar: Living it out

Posted October 10th, 2017

Having first visited South Africa in 1984, when the struggle against apartheid was reaching a crescendo, I was overjoyed to be present at the 222nd General Assembly (2016) when, after nearly a decade of study and debate, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) formally embraced the Confession of Belhar and acknowledged its profound capacity to illuminate our calling as followers of Christ.

Call to prayer for public accountability and good governance in South Africa

Posted August 4th, 2017

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has joined with other civil society organizations across the country to call for the resignation of South African President Jacob Zuma. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recognizes the bold and prophetic witness of South African church leaders and encourages Presbyterians to pray fervantly for peace, public accountability, and good governance in South Africa and around the world.

Reformation is ‘GPS’ for next 500 years, says S. African Anglican leader in Luther’s town

Posted May 30th, 2017

The Reformation was a defining moment 500 years ago but can also serve as an inspiration for the next five centuries, South African Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has told tens of thousands of people at the German Protestant Kirchentag, or church festival.

The ties and tithes that bind

Posted March 27th, 2017

New Castle Presbytery looked to its roots during an especially difficult time of church dismissals. However, by remembering where it came from while looking to the future, the presbytery better understood its calling.

Faith-based groups vow to create even more safe spaces for people living with HIV

Posted July 26th, 2016

“Prophet, people and a plan.” That’s what faith-based organizations (FBOs) need to ensure nobody living with HIV is left behind, said Jesse Milan, past board chair of the Black AIDS Institute. He was speaking as part of a panel group at the Faith on the Fast Track AIDS2016 Pre-Conference.