Abstract

MODISE, Leepo Johannes. The unification process in the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) family and Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA): The confessional basis of the Belhar Confession. Studia Hist. Ecc. [online]. 2016, vol.42, n.2, pp.30-52. ISSN 2412-4265.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2412-4265/2016/388.

This article consists of Ave mains parts. Firstly the author gives a brief overview of the history and origin of the Belhar Confession as a corner stone for URCSA's arguments for church unity. Secondly, the discussion focuses on church unity in general in relation to the Trinity, Eucharist and the Word of God. Church unity is a given, as a fruit of the cross of Christ. Thirdly, the article discusses the unification process within the DRC and URCSA. Fourthly, the author explores the Belhar Confession as the corner stone of church unity from URCSA's perspective, and the challenges around accepting this confession by the DRC. Fifthly, the author deliberates URCSA's position on the Belhar Confession as fundamental to URCSA's identity and life.

Keywords : Unity; unification; Dutch Reformed Church (DRC); Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA); Belhar Confession.

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