Tracks

JUSTICE, SAFETY & SECURITY

The African President of the World Jurist Association in Washington DC, Judge Deon van Zyl, was the speaker for the morning session. Not surprisingly, law was the order of the day. He said “Justice is not about righting a wrong, but about achieving peace and harmony.” Christians in the judiciary system must realise that they need to provide a service and in so doing, apply Godly principles. Mr van Zyl agrees that the Goliaths we at SACLA II face can only be destroyed when attacked with Godly principles.

The latter part of the afternoon session was dominated by the topic of crime and George Fivaz headed the panel discussion. Among the many things that the delegates agreed on was that South Africa is a country in transition, and transition is inevitably disruptive and difficult. This was not to make any excuses for our alarming crime rate. The way the government is tackling the crime problem at the moment does not seem to be working; ”We need to govern the country as God would have us do it". Track session ends today and Mr Gert Joubert, the leader of the track, has left it to the delegates to come up with an action plan for a way forward.

Neville Grimmet

ARTS, ENTERTAIN-MENT & MEDIA

Unifiying the Arts,
letting God in to build bridges and mend fences was the order of the day. Unity being the theme of Wednesday, it has reminded Christians that this is the gift God has given for a purpose. Unity is there to remind the devil that he has no power among Gods people. The devil has got Christians fighting about the minor things to keep them divided. Christians have to get to a place where they can let down their own preferences and be comfortable enough with each other and trust each other, allowing unity to develop.
Errol Naidoo talked about how the seven important instructions of Joshua 1 can be followed to further an individual’s purpose through Christ. A few of them being: God will never nor forsake you (be inspired); every place you travel He gave you (God has given you South Africa if you are prepared); and be strong and of good courage (he is with you). Victor Masondo, a musician, highlighted the importance of group participation within the church – “the pastor or priest is not a one man show. The biggest thing about church is you", and "being at church is your calling."
The sharing of testimonies revealed the changes the people of the arts have experienced during SACLA II and how this experience will influence the way they interact with others in their churches and community. This can be done in ways such as training young Christians in media, improving relations between public media and the church, and also encouraging Christians in media to be a part of transforming secular media.

Bulelwa Jonas

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

Promoting an integrated approach to the Giant of unsustainable development “Our hope is that networking together, we impact on the needs of our community and the environment, with Science and Technology, directed by God’s love for us” – this is the hope statement developed by the participants, to frame our actions plans for the way forward. Based on the principle, “Everything is sustained and held together by God”, Lance Nel highlighted the use of a systems approach in addressing the issue of sustainable development. Professor Phuti Ngoepe highlighted the need to link Science and Technology to the needs of South Africans, with the aim of “bringing down the Goliaths of our land”. It is vital that science and technology are connected to reality and meet the needs of the community.
“We have a sustaining God, who cares for what He created, thus we are acting in His likeness when we live sustainably”. Participants were challenged by Steve Mitchell to be stewards of God’s creation, by ensuring that both the Church and the secular world take up their God-delegated responsibilities to care for His creation. The challenge is to integrate the complexity of social, economic and ecological systems, so as ensure a balanced approach in economic development, social empowerment and ecosystem conservation.

Brent Corcoran

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Religion in Education
As we all know there has been major debate on this contentious issue, although the process still needs to become more democratic. A response time for interested stakeholders in education has been unbelievably short. On the other hand there was recognition of the huge need for the church to get more involved in the debate, especially the provinces and school governing bodies. It is well known that a policy will only work if the people own it. The other question raised was whether we need a policy on religion in education or whether the constitution protects our rights sufficiently. At present the two seem to be inconsistent.

As Christians we identified both constraints and opportunities with the policy as it stands. For example, one opportunity is that institutions have now become places "where religious communities can meet each other and we can celebrate our diversity," as our speaker, Paul Faller of the Catholic Institute of Education said. An example of a constraint lies in the structures like the National Curriculum that at this stage cannot easily be changed.

Looking back over the last few days we acknowledge the fact that we, the church, have not paid significant attention to the giants of poverty, violence and HIV/Aids as they impact on education. We also recognised our role in affirming and supporting teachers in their vocation. We need to create relationships of accountability between church, educational institutions, parents and communities. The church has to take responsibility and get more involved as we are living in the end times and need to take a radical stand. Education is more than knowledge and teachers need to live out their faith daily in order to make a difference.

Robyn Newton

BUSINESS, LABOUR & AGRICULTURE

Dr Edgardo Silvoso has already made an incredible impression on the SACLA delegates with his dynamic call to a new understanding of Christian ministry. In the light of today's moment of repentance and forgiveness, his words to the track assumed an even more potent tone than would otherwise have been expected.

When delegates turned to each other and were reconciled after repenting for past practices, they began to open themselves to a more complete understanding of what it means to be ambassadors in the marketplace. Far from abandoning their businesses to standards with which many have become uncomfortable, many delegates are expressing deep desires to be agents of reform, through a central transformation of business from the inside.

It is becoming increasingly clear that it is not only social reformers and radical activists who are prepared to fight the injustice of our time. Business people, perhaps the most unlikely of candidates, are showing themselves capable of implementing great reform, through changing the consciousness that propels business transaction. As Silvoso so succinctly put it, "to change the city, the marketplace must be changed." If this is the case, then the financiers and the general managers have in their hands an enormous responsibility. This may sound daunting, especially to those who hold the keys to the boardrooms; but if the attitudes in this track are anything to go by, this responsibility can only manifest itself as a holy promise.

Andrew Alexander

CIVIL SOCIETY, SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT HEALTH & MEDICINE

United in Christ we shall conquer the giants
The second last day at SACLA, and the Civil Society, Health and Medicine track came together under the theme; 'unity', agreeing that this can be achieved through sharing values and actions.

To share knowledge and experience about this was Dr Stephen Carpenter who has been engaged in community projects since his early teens. Dr Carpenter taught illiterate women to read and write English when he was fourteen, and they taught him to speak Zulu and shared their experiences of what it was like to be domestic workers with him. Because of his commitment to sharing, living a common life, learning and understanding their language and culture, his mission was a success.

Another value is humility, which simple means to acknowledge the inherent resources and not act arrogantly and naively. Having mercy by caring for the vulnerable by either advocacy or challenging unreliable government systems draws people closer to each other.

Exercising justice by challenging fundamental inequalities that are the root causes of poverty is also a core value for unity. However, Dr Carpenter advised that these values can be worthless if Christians are unreliable or do not have sufficient time to engage in helping the poor. When meeting for the last time at SACLA II the Civil Society, Health and Medicine track will commit themselves to what each one will do after SACLA II. They will also discuss how to sustain what has happened here.

Sandile waka Zamisa

TRANSFORMATION

Forgiveness, the key to reconciliation
With the third day of track discussions underway, the concept of forgiveness was highlighted. Once again, the esteemed Ed Silvoso delivered a powerful sermon on the concepts of spiritual warfare, anger resolution and forgiveness. Reconciliation and unity were the themes of the day. Silvoso stated that the opposite of love is not hate but indifference, and that we all need to fight the good fight and take up the armour of spiritual warfare in order for our nation to be reconciled.

He also felt the need for us all to repent from anger. The dynamic Argentine speaker had the track audience standing to an astounding session of forgiveness, where he prayed for the audience to forgive all past perpetrators and to start anew. A prayer was said to bless Latin America, Argentina and Silvoso's forthcoming conference in October.

Track leader Graeme Power introduced a panel that included, amongst others, Dr Elijah Maswanganyi, Dr Eva Seobi and Pastor Alan Platt. The audience directed a few questions to the panel, before the track group took off to lunch.

Melanie Fourie

FAMILY & CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

The ugly truth about violence and crime
"It was ugly, but it was necessary."
This was one delegate's response to yesterday's session on domestic violence, presented by Advocate Molly Malete. Violence in the family is one of the main factors causing division and brokenness in so many homes, and reconciliation and unity are exactly what the day's theme was about. "I enjoyed the fact that we got such practical advice, so that we can go to our communities and take on these giants," another delegate enthused.

Kevin Hustler, Managing Director of Business Against Crime, offered a message of hope of how God is able to overcome the seemingly undefeatable giant of crime. Referring to the dropping crime statistics in SA over the past two years, he reminded us of God's Promise in Habakkuk 1:3-5. Crime and violence are always rather depressing topics, but when we realise the amazing changes deep prayer, intercession and action can bring, we are assured of our hope.

But the real nitty gritty came later in the afternoon: delegates had to fold a page in half, listing on one side the various evils disrupting society, and on the other, the various practical Christian solutions. Thereafter the page was unfolded and they had to link every problem with its solution - showing how there is a network of solutions we as Christians can take to stand
against evil.

Reverend Mazabane encouraged delegates with these words: "Friday is a day of work! We will really put our brains together and ask God to lead us on how to transform our communities through His power."

Nevelia Heilbron

CHRISTIAN LEADERS IN SCHOOLS

The theme of unity was extensively explored in this track. To begin the day, statements and questions on topical issues were announced and the delegates could decide whether they agreed, disagreed or were 'draadsitters' who did not really have an opinion on the topics. Questions such as "Do condoms prevent AIDS?", alongside statements such as "Black people cannot be racist", explored the issues of racism, sexism and denominational stereotyping. This allowed space for debate and the questioning of beliefs relating to cultures and backgrounds. During small group discussions many delegates asked why it took so long for the youth of all these denominations and church groups to come together and discuss these issues which are shaping ther future.

Games and activities were conducted with trust and consideration for others in mind. This created an enjoyable atmosphere where delegates interacted in ways through which they could identify with one another.

The focal point of this eventful day was the march of the youth track to the church leader's track. The youth want to be recognised for their role in the church and in the role thay play in their wider communities. They want to be more involved in the life of the church and to be allowed to make mistakes. In the spirit of the 1976 Soweto student march, today's march highlighted the need for unity between the church and its youth. The first steps were taken to unite them in Christ. Today, lessons such as listening first and then responding were learned. The challenge was to think deeply, understand and be understood. Both groups committed themselves to the passing of the baton of responsibility so that fundamental decisions can be made for real change to occur. The challenge was 'Being Real Christians in the Real South Africa'.

Sheenagh Bruce

POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

As SACLA II draws to a close, the tracks are starting to come up with tangible guidelines that will transform communities. The Politics and Government track yesterday produced a document that concentrated on four main issues. They first acknowledged God's hand in bringing leaders together from many different backgrounds at SACLA. They also viewed repentance as the means God uses to draw people to himself. They repented of their own sins and asked God's forgiveness.

Then they identified the four areas that included: areas of divergence; common vision; transformation process and steps of action. The group believe that SACLA should not just be an incredible event, but the beginning of a long process where communities, our country and many other countries represented here, will be transformed. Yesterday the group spent their time searching for practical steps that would transform their vision and dreams into reality. They presented their suggestions to the group and today are hoping to finalise the planning phase. Hopes are high that their communities will never be the same again after this gathering.

Nhlanhla Mchunu

YOUNG ADULTS & STUDENTS

Yesterday’s young adults' track event was amazing and very informative. The theme of the day was abuse and violence. Besides having a very entertaining and articulate speaker, Dr Tony Campolo, there was also space for creativity. The delegates were entertained by a dance drama, which wrapped up the day's theme but also created the platform for dynamic debate in the group sessions.

Dr Campolo stressed that the ultimate reason for abuse and violence on any level was because of power. He firmly believes that rape has to do with power. Men who rape are turned on by humiliating other human beings. An important point, which Dr Campolo made, was that there is an inverse relationship between love and power, in that whoever loves the most gives up the most power.

This example was illustrated using the example of Christ and the crucifixion. The fact that Jesus came into the world to love meant that He had to give up all power. Therefore He had to die for us.

The important lesson is that at no point can we as humans love and have power at the same time. We have to choose either one or the other. We can never be both at the same time. Also, if you have chosen to love or have power, it is close to impossible to shift between the two.

The drama was about breaking down barriers in all spheres and being united through Christ. It was a great summary to a successful track.

Lesley Malgas

CHURCH LEADERS

The theme of hope which undergirded Wednesday's discussions in the Church Leaders' Track elicited a number of realisations. Significantly, all of these were related to church unity. These included two main ideas.
(i) Because God is a Trinity and we are made in God's image, hope will always be found in community and mutuality.
(ii) Hope is given, not produced, and is found when the church works as one and speaks with one voice.

In this context of unity, the Church Leader's Track on Thursday began to write the new chapter of their famed 'story-wall'. This took place by shuffling themselves into new groups in order to create a list of good practices that would help church leaders to address current issues. These include the issues of reconciliation, church unity and networking, youth (the emergence of new leaders) and HIV/ AIDS.

After each of the groups had reported back on the new strategies that emerged during discussion, the track received an infusion of energy as those on the Youth Track 'toyi-toyied' into the hall to join their church leaders. Following a session of joint worship, the youth expressed their desire to be fully integrated into the church and to receive (in grace) responsibility from their leaders. Church leaders and young people then conversed with each other, each having to paraphrase the words of the other to ensure that there had been mutual understanding. There seemed to be a real recognition that, even as the leaders write the new chapter of the story-wall, this chapter belongs to the youth.

SACLA Called to Act Locally on Global Economic Injustice - Campolo

SACLA News editor David Larsen spoke to the man who will be giving the closing address at SACLA II this afternoon, American Professor of Sociology at Eastern University, Dr Tony Campolo.

If I was running this conference I would have got everyone to march through town to where Bush is staying and ask him why he passed a subsidy of US$130 billion for US farmers that will enable them to sell their produce at low prices that will put African farmers out of business.”
If Campolo is right, that is an amount equivalent to the entire GDP of South Africa. As a Christian sociologist Campolo is passionate about economic justice. He sees the world economic system as a major barrier to the advance of the Kingdom of God.

Nations of Africa pay US$30 out of every US$100 they earn to pay off the interest on their foreign debts. This situation is a very severe.” What this assembly, as a gathering of the Church in South Africa, should be doing is putting pressure on the United States, the World Trade Organisation, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to do the Jubilee thing and cancel their foreign debt. Leviticus 25 requires this.”

Most of Africa’s debt was incurred during the Cold War when foreign nations tried to buy the allegience of African countries. A lot of that money was pocketed by corrupt leaders or used illegitimately leaving the new generation of Africans with an unmanagable burden of debt.”
Campolo cites other examples of the evil of the global economic system. There is something wrong in our world when Nike pays US$100 million per year to a basketball player when the total earnings of the company’s entire labour force in South East Asia is only US$40 million.”
While recognising the global nature of economic evil, however, Campolo encourages local action. Speaking of South Africa he says, in a society where there is over 40% unemployment the Church has to be engaged in job creation.”

When there were no hospitals in South Africa, who created them? The Church. When there were no schools, who created them? The Church. So who will meet the great need of today? Who will provide jobs for the unemployed? The Church. Wilkinson was right on target when he said you need to preach to the needs of the people.”

Campolo says the Church in South Africa has a lot of highly skilled people who are retired. It also has a lot of money. He thinks task teams of these people should be created to work in impoverished communities along with the churches in those communities to provide markets for products created by small businesses entirely owned and run by people in those communities.
Campolo speaks from personal experience. Personally involved in economic empowerment projects among inner city communities in the US he sits on the board of Habitat for Humanity and Opportunity International. In the past 14 years Opportunity International has created 3,5 million jobs with no more resources than are available to you as the South African Church. What do you think your government will think of the Church in this country if you create 3,5 million jobs? What do you think the poor will think of the Church?”

There must be restitution. This does not mean hand outs, that simply dehumanises. Restitution means to restore what was lost. In South Africa Whites denied Blacks the opportunity to acquire skills and economic opportunities. Let’s give them back.”

The Church in South Africa, both Black and White together have to develop a theology that Jesus is waiting to be encountered in the poor and the oppressed. If we look into the eyes of a child with HIV/AIDS and see Jesus, it changes the whole way we handle her or him. We have to have a sense of awe and reverance. Am I worthy to help you. This humbles us as we seek to serve. We have to see the poor as sacramental creatures in whom Christ is waiting to be loved.”

Nations of Africa pay US$30 out of every US$100 they earn to pay off the interest on their foreign debts.

PHOTOGRAPH: JOHN ROBINSON

I wonder how church historians of South Africa will judge SACLA II twenty-five years from now? My guess is there are two telegrammatic options - Talk Shop or Turning Point?
With all my heart I pray that SACLA II will not fall into that notorious historical refuse bin called Talk Shop. "In 2003 a whole bunch of harmless, well-intentioned, sweet Christian folk got together for nearly a week at much expense, felt important because the President graced their platform and said they were going to do something, but that’s the last we ever heard of them.” Or will church historians record: “That was a kairos moment for the Church in South Africa - a turning point for both Church and State, a historic Christian happening, a watershed from which flowed streams of spiritual renewal, moral regeneration, practical action, community transformation and social reform.

That was when the African Renaissance took wings because that was when African Reformation came in new ways onto the agenda of both Church and State.
SACLA II? Yes, that was the turning point.”

Which of these two historical judgements is attached to us, depends on whether we trivialise or lightly heed what the Spirit of God has said to us and then fail dismally in practical obedience - OR - whether we go out from here to follow through credibly, practically and evangelistically on what the Lord has spoken to us during the week.
Jesus once castigated the religious leaders of His day, saying, “But why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). May He never have to pose that question to us.

So won’t you resolve to:
1. Heed the pastoral letter coming to you later today from the SACLA Council.
2. Resolve to keep in touch with your Track leader and where possible, your fellow Track members to explore practical follow-through.
3. Decide on at least one of the giants to target personally in a new way in the future.
Talk Shop or Turning Point? It’s up to each one of us!

DANDALA DELIBERATES:

MVUME H DANDALA

It is good when Christians sit down together, to pray together, to think together, and find ways to serve together. SACLA II is a milestone in the search of the South African churches and Christians for ways in which together they can contribute to strengthening our new nation in ways that are acceptable to God.

Those of us who have gathered here are custodians of a collective vision which God is sharing with the Church in our land. It is in that spirit that we must go in humility to share with those of our colleagues and churches who are not here. There is no room for pride because we cannot claim to be a special select group of people. Rather we have been exposed to the sense of urgency in God’s heart for this land.