Open Access“I Can’t Breathe”: Mary-Anne Elizabeth Plaatjies-Van Huffel and the Belhar Confession as a Beacon of Light for denouncing Racism
Author(s) -
Jacques W. Beukes
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
studia historiae ecclesiasticae
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2412-4265
pISSN - 1017-0499
DOI - 10.25159/2412-4265/8308
Subject(s) - confession (law) , racism , injustice , solidarity , gospel , sociology , economic justice , anti racism , theology , criminology , religious studies , law , philosophy , gender studies , political science , politics
Racism continues to divide, separate, oppress and hurt—as was seen by recent global events. The church, because of the very nature of the Gospel of Christ, is called to bring unity, reconciliation, justice, healing and peace. The current crisis and threat of racism call for a time of new opportunity and new resurrections, forged from resistances that breathe a new life, of which the Belhar Confession can be a beacon of light. This article focuses on how the theological framework of Mary-Anne Elizabeth Plaatjies-Van Huffel and the Belhar Confession provide a historic opportunity to stand in solidarity with the voices of those who are suffocating (“can’t breathe”). It is an emphatic call for the church to denounce and address all forms of racism and injustice.