Open AccessThe need for continued decolonisation and Africanisation of ordination in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa
Author(s) -
Donald Murrell Williams,
Wessel Bentley
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
theologia viatorum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2664-2980
pISSN - 0378-4142
DOI - 10.4102/tv.v44i1.50
Subject(s) - ordination , decolonization , doctrine , colonialism , political science , postcolonialism (international relations) , history of religions , sociology , religious studies , law , philosophy , politics , machine learning , computer science
Being the church in Africa requires a continuous self-assessment by Christian denominations, asking whether it is sufficiently contextualised both in its doctrines and practices. This self-critique is essential so as to not perpetuate negative colonial influences in the way churches operate. The Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) has a rich history of challenging itself to become truly instrumental in working towards ‘A Christ-healed Africa for the healing of the nations’. This article explores the history of the MCSA’s engagement with its doctrine and practices of ordination, its journey of decolonisation and its presentation of an emerging Africanised theology of the presbytery.