Paternalism, dependency or partnership? - A case study on the Reformed Churches in South Africa

Résumé 0

In cross-cultural missions, there is always a danger of paternalism. Paternalism produces a culture of dependency in the indigenous church. This study aims to consider whether paternalism and resulting dependency also featured in the mission work of the Reformed Churches in Southern Africa. How were the principle and implementation of mission policy of the Synod, and how was the reality of mission work between the white and the black churches in the Reformed Churches in Southern Africa? The Reformed Churches in South Africa mission work will be investigated through a case study in the Klerksdorp, Orkney, Stilfontein and Hartbeesfontein area. As a result, the Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika remains paternalistic and dependent, and needs a new strategy for missions to overcome them. Therefore, the relationship of biblical partnerships, as new strategy in the Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika to overcome tendencies of paternalism and dependency in the missionary situation, may be suggested.