Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 21:1 (Mar 2016)
Article: The Theology Of Truth And Social Justice In The Present Context: An Examination Of The Relevancy Of The Kairos Document 30 Years After Its Draft
Author: Gabriel Boitshepo Ndhlovu

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Conspectus 21:1 (March 2016) p. 77

The Theology Of Truth And Social Justice In The Present Context: An Examination Of The Relevancy Of The Kairos Document 30 Years After Its Draft

Gabriel Boitshepo Ndhlovu1

Abstract

This year marks 30 years since the final draft of the Kairos Document. The Kairos Document was drafted during a very tense political environment. The issues expressed in the document are still relevant in the current African context. There are many countries that are governed by what are perceived to be corrupt governments, and some are classified as failed states. The Kairos Document focuses on the attitudes of the churches under these hardships. Although it places the value of all human life on an equal platform and calls for the governments to govern in fairness and morality within God’s moral law, its position on civil disobedience could be seen to lack adequate biblical foundation. In addition, its biased view on reconciliation does not achieve what it desires; a true and unified reconciliation.

Conspectus 21:1 (March 2016) p. 78

1. Introduction

The Kairos Document was first drafted in 1985, and was followed by the second and final draft in 1986 in Apartheid South Africa during one of the most violent periods of the anti-Apartheid era, when the state of emergency was declared to try to maintain order (Eckardt 1986:218; Mtakati 2010:20-26; Vellem 2015:1). The tense situation caused black local churches to reassess their position in the struggle, as they were faced with the harsh realities of the day—even men of the cloth had to carry the ‘dompas’ ( a pass book issued in terms of the Pass Law), and were also subjected to restrictions placed on all Non-White racial groups (Mtakati 2010:26). The Kairos Document was drafted by, mostly, those in oppressed and marginalised communities. The primary focus of the document is on the relationship between the Church and the state in a context where the state is seen as the oppressor and the cause of poverty and social injustice in the lives of certain groups of its citizens (Kairos 1985:368).

The Church found itself in a vigorous debate about the role of the Church in apartheid South Africa. Even after the publication of Kairos Document the debate still continued, resulting in the publication of Evangelical Witness in South Africa in 1986 and responses from churches in Europe. Webb describes this document as ‘an example of grassroots theology born in the midst of bloodshed and death of increasing bitterness and polarisation, and of rising anger in the townships’ (Webb 1986:5). For a long time the Church had understood its purpose solely to concentrate on its ecclesiastical duties and not be involved in politics. However, this h...

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