The reformed churches in South Africa - a perspective on church’s view of the state

Abstract

In this paper it is argued that the Reformed Churches in South Africa has a positive view of state government in the light of the Belgic Confession article 36 and Church Order Article 29. However, the separation of church and state should be maintained because church and state have different callings in society. Preferably church and state should be able to work together regarding issues of mutual interest. The precondition is that the separation of church and state may not be compromised. For the churches it is about freedom in the state, to exercise their mandate according sound Scriptural conduct. It means the exercise of church’s mandate without compromising the basic principles of justice and equity. Just is just in church and state, but the way it is exercised may differ in church and state because of the difference in foundation, nature and focus.