Republic of South Africa

The population of South Africa includes 35.4 million blacks, 4.3 million whites; 4 million coloreds (mixed-race), and 1.1 million Asians. The predominant challenge for the church in South Africa is the coming together of pre-Apartheid churches in the republic — the (white) Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa (PSCA), the (black) Reformed Presbyterian Church in South Africa (RPC), the (primarily black) Evangelical Presbyterian Church in South Africa (EPC, of Swiss background), the small Presbyterian Church of Africa(PCA), the (colored) Dutch Reformed Church (DRMC), and the (black) Dutch Reformed Church of Africa (DRCA). In 2000 the PCSA and the RPC joined to become the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, and the DRMC and DRCA came together as Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa. The churches are still struggling with how to assimilate the different backgrounds (from the more affluent PCSA and the poorer RPC), coming to grips with their engagement with apartheid history, and working together with the other church groups. But they are working out the problems in a dynamic way and reaching out in mission. The PC(USA) joins in the ministry through mission personnel, its partners and several presbytery partnerships.

Watch 'The New South Africa: A Journey of Faith'

Learn about South Africa’s journey out of Apartheid and embracing of reconciliation in this 48-minute video.

The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 28-29

January 28
January 29

Overview of Africa

Related Stories

• June 5, 2008  South African head of church grouping ‘anguished’ about xenophobia
• March 2008 Joining Hands Newsletter/South Africa
• November 1, 2007 New resource devoted to Africa's vulnerable children

Southern Africa/Lesotho Mission Network

• 2008 meeting date:  September 17–18 (Philadelphia, Pa.)
• For information contact Douglas Tilton, Doug Welch or Lacey Gilliam.

The Southern Africa Mission Network is among more than 25 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices and develop strategies.