Document
Blessed are those who observe justice, who do righteousness all times. Psalm 106:3
Celebrating the legacy of South African churches
As the World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee gathers in South Africa, we celebrate the extraordinary legacy of South Africa’s churches and their leaders, who have embodied courageous Christian witness in the struggle against colonialism and apartheid. Inspired by the vision of the Freedom Charter, prophetic voices such as Beyers Naudé and Desmond Tutu, and the unwavering faith of countless communities, the churches played a critical role in resisting oppression and forging hope. Landmark ecumenical declarations - including the Kairos Document (1985) and the Belhar Confession (1986) - articulated a vision of justice, reconciliation and unity that continues to inspire not only South African Christians, but the global church. The Kairos Document courageously rejected “State Theology” and “Church Theology,” calling instead for a prophetic theology that confronts injustice head-on. These confessions, rooted in Scripture and the call to discipleship, summoned the church to confront injustice and to strive for a democracy where all may flourish. We also acknowledge that parts of the church – including some within the WCC family – were complicit in justifying or remaining silent during Apartheid. True reconciliation requires continued confession, healing and restoration.
We also celebrate South African children and youth, and the sacrifices of young people in the struggle, commemorated each year on 16 June.
The role of the South African Council of Churches and the WCC
Throughout this pilgrimage, the South African Council of Churches (SACC) has stood as a faithful and prophetic voice for justice, dignity, and peace. The SACC has served both as a sanctuary for the oppressed and as an advocate for transformation, mobilizing Christian witness for the protection of human rights, reconciliation, and social upliftment. The WCC, as a global ecumenical fellowship of churches, has been a steadfast partner - most notably through the historic Cottesloe Consultation (1960) and the Programme to Combat Racism. These collaborations galvanized global solidarity, strengthened local resistance, and affirmed the indivisible link between Christian faith and the struggle for justice.
This ecumenical solidarity continues to be crucial in an era where democracy is fragile, inequality persists, and the church is needed to speak truth to power.
The significance of meeting in South Africa
In this spirit, it is both meaningful and urgent that the World Council of Churches Central Committee meets in South Africa at this juncture. This gathering represents a renewed commitment to deepening our relationships with South African churches and communities, and to learning from their witness. At a time when the quest for democracy, unity, reconciliation, and justice faces new challenges, our meeting is a sign of solidarity and hope. We reaffirm the vision of the WCC: that the unity of the church and the unity of humanity belong together, and that our pilgrimage must be shaped by the imperatives of love, justice, and peace. We also embrace the theme of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) – “Africa, My Home – Africa, My Future” – affirming that South Africa’s struggle and hopes are interwoven with those of the wider continent.
We recall and underscore the commitments expressed in the preamble of the 1996 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa to:
- Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights;
- Lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law;
- Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person; and
- Build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.
The most pressing issues facing South Africa
As we accompany the churches and people of South Africa, we recognize the complex and urgent challenges that persist in this land. The following issues call for renewed attention, ethical response, and collective action:
- Unemployment and economic exclusion: South Africa continues to face an exceptionally high rate of unemployment, especially among young people. Economic growth has stagnated, and millions remain excluded from meaningful participation in the economy.
- Youth disillusionment: Of the total 32% unemployed, 8.2 million young people (15-24 years) are unemployed. Many young people feel disconnected from political structures and economic promises, leading to apathy, migration or unrest.
- Poverty and inequality: Deep economic disparities, rooted in history and perpetuated by structural barriers, remain a central obstacle to justice and flourishing. Poverty rates have increased, reversing some earlier gains, and wealth remains concentrated among a minority.
- Corruption and governance: The struggle against corruption - both past and present - has undermined public trust and hampered effective governance at all levels. While important progress has been made in exposing wrongdoing and initiating reforms, much remains to be done to build a capable, ethical, and responsive state.
- Education: The promise of education as a path to equality is undermined by stark disparities in learning outcomes, infrastructure, and access. Despite near-universal enrolment, too many children are denied the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
- Violence and criminality: High levels of crime, including murder, armed robbery, and organized criminal networks, continue to erode the sense of safety and security. The persistence of violence reflects deeper social fractures and must be addressed through both prevention and justice.
- Gender-based violence and femicide: South Africa faces an epidemic of violence against women and children, with rates of femicide and sexual assault among the highest in the world. Legislative progress has been made, but implementation and societal transformation are urgently needed.
- Anti-immigration rhetoric and xenophobia: The rise of anti-immigrant sentiment and recurring episodes of xenophobic violence stand in stark contrast to the call of the Gospel and the values enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution. The dignity and rights of migrants, refugees, and foreign nationals must be protected, and communities must be equipped to welcome the stranger.
- Weakening of judicial accountability: Many who orchestrated or benefitted from systemic corruption remain unpunished, undermining the rule of law and public trust in the judiciary.
- Poor service delivery, infrastructural breakdown, and civil unrest: Many communities across South Africa continue to experience inadequate access to essential services such as clean water, electricity, sanitation, and healthcare. Frequent power cuts due to load-shedding, aging infrastructure, and governance failures have deepened frustration and hindered economic productivity. These service delivery failures often contribute to outbreaks of civil unrest, during which public infrastructure – such as schools, clinics, roads, and government buildings – is damaged or destroyed, compounding the hardship faced by already vulnerable populations. Additionally, the widening digital divide threatens to exclude marginalized communities from education and economic participation, further entrenching inequality.
The Government of National Unity
The formation of a Government of National Unity following the 2024 elections marks a pivotal moment in South African democracy. For the first time since 1994, governance is shared across party lines, reflecting the complexity and diversity of the nation. This coalition offers a unique opportunity to transcend partisan interests and to work together for the common good, but it also brings challenges of cohesion and accountability. The churches are called to accompany this new government with both prayer and prophetic witness, supporting efforts towards ethical leadership, inclusive governance, and national renewal.
National Dialogue: Forging a new social compact
The launch of a National Dialogue as a people-led, society-wide process to forge a new social compact offers a sign of hope for the country’s future. This process invites all South Africans to participate in shaping a society grounded in dignity, justice, and mutual accountability. The churches have a crucial role in facilitating honest conversation, healing historical wounds, and building bridges of trust between divided communities. The success of this dialogue will depend on the willingness of all sectors to listen deeply and act courageously for the common good. The churches are called not only to facilitate dialogue, but to embody the alternative community that Christ envisions – a community of radical hospitality, truth-telling and solidarity.
This dialogue will require consistent and deliberate participation by white South Africans, including a willingness to commit to meaningful acts of restitution that address the economic and land ownership consequences of Apartheid.
South Africa’s leadership for accountability to International Law
South Africa’s principled commitment to international law, multilateralism, and human rights (including for sexual minorities) remains an important contribution to the global community. Recent advocacy – including leadership in raising concerns about the crisis in Gaza and participation in international legal fora - reflects South Africa’s commitment and moral responsibility to speak and act for justice beyond its borders, as well as internally. These efforts resonate with South Africa’s own history of seeking international solidarity during its struggle for freedom and underscore the interconnectedness of local and global justice. In a time when international law is under pressure from geopolitical rivalries, South Africa’s moral leadership is both timely and necessary.
G20 Presidency
South Africa’s presidency of the G20 this year is a historic milestone, marking the first time an African nation chairs this influential group of nations. It offers a critical platform to advance the voices and concerns of Africa and the Global South on issues such as food security, climate justice, and equitable development. The churches support efforts to ensure that this year’s summit serves the interests of the most vulnerable, champions sustainable solutions, and strengthens global cooperation for the common good. The churches encourage the South African Presidency to prioritize issues of Global South concern, such as debt justice, corporate accountability, and climate-induced migration.
A commitment to support the churches’ ongoing witness
The WCC Central Committee affirms its unwavering support for the ongoing witness of South African churches in their pursuit of unity, reconciliation, and justice. We stand alongside all who labour for the healing of divisions, the restoration of dignity, and the building of a society where every person is valued. We pray for courage, wisdom, and perseverance as the churches and people of South Africa journey towards a future marked by hope, faith, and love.
We recommit ourselves to a Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation and Unity in partnership with South African churches, and we call on all member churches to stand in active solidarity through advocacy, accompaniment and prayer.
