Reimagining ecclesiological imagination within a Dutch Reformed Congregation in South Africa

Abstract

This research explores how Durbanville congregation’s liturgical practices might reimagine “God’s new world” amidst these sociocultural constraints. Drawing on Christi van der Westhuizen’s work, the study critiques how these enclaves institutionalise prejudice under the guise of preserving familiar norms and orders, highlighting the identity crisis faced by White individuals in affirming racial exclusivity. It presents practices of change (an intervention) to address the limitations of whiteness. By fostering positive contact between racially diverse groups, these practices aim to reduce anxiety, increase empathy, and cultivate an inclusive and more integral ecclesiological imagination of the celebration of liturgy. The findings suggest that a set of contextual and intercultural practices can transform ecclesiological imagination into being more integral towards all dimensions of the basileia tou theou. Finally, the study presents some broader implications for reimagining liturgical practices in divided sociocultural contexts.