SOUTH AFRICA AFTER 21 YEARS – BETWEEN HOPE AND DESPAIR
The Beyers Naudé Centre for Public Theology (BNC) at the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University is hosting an ecumenical conference in Kimberley on 13 November 2015.
For almost 15 years the BNC have developed a programme with the name Congregations and public life. This programme aims to enable pastors and laity leaders to rediscover the importance of congregational practices for the renewal of all walks of life, from the most intimate to the most social, global and cosmic.
Over the years we focused on themes like congregations and poverty, congregations and globalization, congregations and public morality, congregations and justice, congregations and reconciliation, congregations and responsible living. We also ensure that at every conference we focus upon themes that are important and of relevance for the local congregation.
We are so very thankful that we can have an ecumenical day conference in Kimberley this year on the theme South Africa after 21 years – between hope and despair. The programme will include the following speakers:
-Mr Henry Jeffreys, former editor of New Age and Die Burger: Our hopes and despairs after 21 years?
-Prof Nico Koopman, Vice-Rector: Social Impact, Tranformation and Personnel (Acting), Stellenbosch University and director of the Beyers Naudé Centre for Public Theology: Trinitarian hope and public life?
-A panel discussion, consisting of Rev Petrus Makoko; Rev Linda Cornelissen and Pastor Jakkie Philander: Stories of hope amidst challenges and despair?
We really hope that this communion will give us better understanding of the challenges we face together, that it will strengthen and energise us for our holy callings, and that through the communion we can grow closer to our Lord and closer to each other, as we jointly seek kingdom life for all, life of justice, peace and joy (Romans 14 verse 17).
DATE & VENUE
The day conference will take place on 13 November 2015 (08:30 – 21:00)at URCSAFlorianville, Kimberley.
We invite ministers of yourchurch association to attend the conference, as well as lay leaders and representatives, either from the women body/youth body/mannebond. Please let us know who will attend so that we can make appropriate arrangements: RSVP with us by faxing / e-mail the attached registration form back to our office as soon as possible.
Closing date for registration: Monday 2 November 2015. Our faxnumber is 021 808 3251, or e-mail Marita at
CONFERENCE FEE
We are grateful for the financial assistance of DIRO Resources, who enable us to host this conference and make a contribution towards your traveling costs. Accommodation can be arranged if you travel from far.All meals and teas will be provided. Please inform us of any specific dietary needs e.g. vegetarian etc.
DIRECTIONS TO URCSA FLORIANVILLE
RECREATION ROADFLORIANVILLE
8301KIMBERLEY
28° 43' 25.644" S,24° 45' 45.324" E
TRAVEL CLAIMS
We will aim to cover most of the traveling costs for people traveling a radius of more than 80km from Kimberley and request that you travel together. Travel claims will only be processed after the conference.
PROGRAMME
The programme is attached to this invitation.
We look forward to your positive response and participation.
For any enquiries you can make contact with Marita, 084 800 0657,
E-mail: or fax: 021 808 3251.
In verbondenheid
Prof Nico Koopman
Vice-Rector: Social Impact, Tranformation and Personnel (Acting)
Director: Beyers Naudé Centre for Public Theology, Faculty of Theology
Stellenbosch University
SOUTH AFRICA AFTER 21 YEARS
BETWEEN HOPE AND DESPAIR
PROGRAMME
08:30Arrival tea and coffee
09:00 Welcome and devotion
09:30 Henry Jeffreys – Our hopes and despairs after 21 years?
10:30 Nico Koopman – Trinitarian hope and public life
11:30 Discussion
12:30Light lunch
13:30 Panel discussion: Stories of hope amidst challenges and despair
Rev Petrus Makoko, Rev Linda Cornelissen and Pastor Jakkie Philander
17:00 Spitbraai