Missio Dei: An ecclesiology of healing and reconciliation in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in post-1994 South Africa

Abstract

Missio Dei: An ecclesiology of healing and reconciliation in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) in post- 1994 South Africa. The events of pre 1994 South Africa were critical and fundamental to the witness of the MCSA and Christian church in general. Democratisation and liberation of South Africa in 1994 was a turning point in the history of the MCSA and South Africa in general. The democratisation and liberation of 1994 was a critical challenge for the church and community; and this was a fundamental period in the history of the MCSA, as it had to position itself for change and transition to democracy. In the pre-1994, the MCSA had declared that it is the will of God for the MCSA to remain a one and undivided church. In post-1994 South Africa, God called the MCSA to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ for healing and transformation. The pre- 1994 and post-1994 calls are significant calls for the MCSA’s participation in the missio Dei to contribute in the process of healing and reconciliation, for the transformation of society. Implications for the MCSA’s participation in missio Dei is to be prophetic witness in the mission of healing and transformation. The fundamental principles of the mission pillars in the MCSA’s ecclesiology of healing and reconciliation are transformation of church and societal structures for justice, service and transformation mission. Ecclesiologically, there are four mission pillars to claim and provide direction, vision and empowerment for transformation of the MCSA mission post-1994 South Africa. In its ecclesiology the MCSA seeks to include all people in the process of healing and reconciliation.