Download here
Prepared by: Rev. Roger Scholtz
Status: Adopted by DEWCOM
Date: July 2014
Thursday 24 July 2014
Wednesday 12 February 2014
Position paper on the MCSA and the use of lottery money
Download here
Prepared by: Dr Wessel Bentley
Status: Position paper adopted by DEWCOM
Date: February 2014
Prepared by: Dr Wessel Bentley
Status: Position paper adopted by DEWCOM
Date: February 2014
DEWCOM submissions to Conference on same-sex debate (p.215 of Yearbook 2014)
Herewith the two documents prepared by DEWCOM for submission to Conference 2013 on possible ways forward in the same-sex debate.
Document 1
Document 2
Submission to DEWCOM by Rev. Ray Alistoun
Date: February 2014
Document 1
Document 2
Submission to DEWCOM by Rev. Ray Alistoun
Date: February 2014
Friday 24 January 2014
Archive documents on Satanism, Occult and the New Age movement
Paper on the New Age Movement
Attitudes to the occult and Eastern Mysticism
Paper on Satanism and the occult
Date: 1982 onwards
Author: Several
Status: Archive
Attitudes to the occult and Eastern Mysticism
Paper on Satanism and the occult
Date: 1982 onwards
Author: Several
Status: Archive
Tuesday 21 January 2014
Archive documents on Peace Church and nonviolence
Christian Citizenship Department document on Peace Church
Christian Citizenship Department document on violence and nonviolence
Chaplaincy document on violence and war
Gracious Words Study Material
In the Shoes of the Samaritan Study material
Pastoral letter regarding Peace Church
Some resolutions responding to Peace Church
Date: 1986 onwards
Author: Several
Status: Archive
Christian Citizenship Department document on violence and nonviolence
Chaplaincy document on violence and war
Gracious Words Study Material
In the Shoes of the Samaritan Study material
Pastoral letter regarding Peace Church
Some resolutions responding to Peace Church
Date: 1986 onwards
Author: Several
Status: Archive
Monday 20 January 2014
Archive documents on Sacraments
MCSA initial response to Lima text, baptism, Eucharist and ministry
Administration of the Sacraments
Date: 1980 onwards
Author: Several
Status: Archive
Administration of the Sacraments
Date: 1980 onwards
Author: Several
Status: Archive
Tuesday 19 February 2013
Wednesday 30 January 2013
Crossing the blurred line: Discourses on changing Family Life patterns as a challenge to Church and Society
Download here
Author: Dr Lilian Siwila
Date: October 2012
Context: Paper delivered at the Conference on Family life.
Status: Conference Paper
Author: Dr Lilian Siwila
Date: October 2012
Context: Paper delivered at the Conference on Family life.
Status: Conference Paper
Monday 14 January 2013
Personal journeys – Linking historical overviews with personal stories of family life
Download here
Author: Mr George Ellerbeck
Date: October 2012
Context: Paper delivered at the Conference on Family life.
Status: Conference Paper
Author: Mr George Ellerbeck
Date: October 2012
Context: Paper delivered at the Conference on Family life.
Status: Conference Paper
Tuesday 8 January 2013
The Response of the Church to changing family structures against the background of the "new" Children's Act no 38 of 2005
Download here
Author: Ms Louise Peters
Date: October 2012
Context: Paper delivered at the Conference on Family life.
Status: Conference Paper
Author: Ms Louise Peters
Date: October 2012
Context: Paper delivered at the Conference on Family life.
Status: Conference Paper
Friday 4 January 2013
Neither the bible nor the state defines marriage Only civil society, despite church and state, defines it
Download here
Author: Rev. Dr. Brian Wilkinson
Date: October 2012
Context: Paper delivered at the Conference on Family life.
Status: Conference Paper
Rev. Dr. Wilkinson invites comment. Please direct correspondence to or phone at:
Author: Rev. Dr. Brian Wilkinson
Date: October 2012
Context: Paper delivered at the Conference on Family life.
Status: Conference Paper
Rev. Dr. Wilkinson invites comment. Please direct correspondence to or phone at:
Brian and Wendy Wilkinson
1 Lambert Court
43 Somerset Street
Somerset West 7130
021 850-0684
Brian: 081 270 1713
Wendy: 082 773 7421
Website: www.70x.co.za
1 Lambert Court
43 Somerset Street
Somerset West 7130
021 850-0684
Brian: 081 270 1713
Wendy: 082 773 7421
Website: www.70x.co.za
Thursday 3 January 2013
Archive documents on Exorcism
Download here
Date: 1993
Author: Trevour Van Zyl De Bruyn
Context: Interim report on exorcism for the Doctrine Committee's consideration
Status: Archive
Date: 1993
Author: Trevour Van Zyl De Bruyn
Context: Interim report on exorcism for the Doctrine Committee's consideration
Status: Archive
Caring for Families Pastorally in a Post Modern World
Download here
Author: Rev. Dr. Leon Klein
Date: October 2012
Context: Paper delivered at the Conference on Family life.
Status: Conference Paper
Author: Rev. Dr. Leon Klein
Date: October 2012
Context: Paper delivered at the Conference on Family life.
Status: Conference Paper
Tuesday 11 September 2012
Ordering our Church Space
Download here
Author: Rev. Vusi Vilakati
Date: August 2012
Context: Discussion document on the utilisation of church-space.
Status: Discussion document
Author: Rev. Vusi Vilakati
Date: August 2012
Context: Discussion document on the utilisation of church-space.
Status: Discussion document
Wednesday 15 August 2012
Statement on the ministry of oversight
Download here
Author: Rev. Dr. Wessel Bentley
Date: August 2012
Context: Statement on the MCSA understanding of the office of the Bishop/Presiding Bishop.
Status: Statement as requested by Conference
Author: Rev. Dr. Wessel Bentley
Date: August 2012
Context: Statement on the MCSA understanding of the office of the Bishop/Presiding Bishop.
Status: Statement as requested by Conference
DEWCOM submission to Conference 2012 on same-sex relationships
Download here
Author: Rev. Roger Scholtz
Date: August 2012
Context: Submission on progress of the same-sex relationship debate.
Status: Discussion document - response as per Conference request for proposals
Author: Rev. Roger Scholtz
Date: August 2012
Context: Submission on progress of the same-sex relationship debate.
Status: Discussion document - response as per Conference request for proposals
Moral decay discussion document
Download here
Author: Rev. Dr. Wessel Bentley
Date: August 2012
Context: A discussion document on moral decay and the Church's prophetic role.
Status: Discussion document
Author: Rev. Dr. Wessel Bentley
Date: August 2012
Context: A discussion document on moral decay and the Church's prophetic role.
Status: Discussion document
Monday 7 May 2012
The Climate Change Agenda
Download here
Author: Revs Luvuyo Sifo and Vusi Vilakati
Date: May 2012
Context: A discussion document on climate change.
Status: Discussion document
Author: Revs Luvuyo Sifo and Vusi Vilakati
Date: May 2012
Context: A discussion document on climate change.
Status: Discussion document
Friday 4 May 2012
Position paper on children and baptism
Download here.
Author: DEWCOM
Date: April 2012
Context: Position paper on children and baptism
Status: DEWCOM Position paper
Author: DEWCOM
Date: April 2012
Context: Position paper on children and baptism
Status: DEWCOM Position paper
Tuesday 24 April 2012
Archive documents on Church Unity
Download here
Author: Several
Date: 1980's
Context: Documents related to the Church Unity Commission
Status: Archive
Author: Several
Date: 1980's
Context: Documents related to the Church Unity Commission
Status: Archive
Thursday 19 April 2012
Infant Baptism - Synod 2010 discussion questions
Download here
Author: Dr Wessel Bentley and Rev Peter Grassow
Date: March 2010
Context: A short document to stimulate discussion on the MCSA's usage of infant baptism where children are presented by those who are not necessarily their biological parents.
Status: To be discussed by Synods of 2010
Author: Dr Wessel Bentley and Rev Peter Grassow
Date: March 2010
Context: A short document to stimulate discussion on the MCSA's usage of infant baptism where children are presented by those who are not necessarily their biological parents.
Status: To be discussed by Synods of 2010
Archive documents on the Theology of work
Download here
Author: Several
Date: 1985-1988
Context: Documents related to the Theology of Work
Status: Archive
Author: Several
Date: 1985-1988
Context: Documents related to the Theology of Work
Status: Archive
Wednesday 18 April 2012
Archive documents on the office of the Bishop in the MCSA
Download here
Author: Several
Date: 1985-1988
Context: Documents related to the change of title from "Chairman of the District" to "Bishop"
Status: Archive
Author: Several
Date: 1985-1988
Context: Documents related to the change of title from "Chairman of the District" to "Bishop"
Status: Archive
Tuesday 17 January 2012
Summary on the use of stoles
Download here
Author: Rev Tim Attwell
Date: May 2011
Context: A summary on the use of stoles in Christian ecclesiology
Status: Correspondence with enquiring clergy
Author: Rev Tim Attwell
Date: May 2011
Context: A summary on the use of stoles in Christian ecclesiology
Status: Correspondence with enquiring clergy
Wednesday 13 July 2011
Clerical and preaching wear - Women's perspective
Download here
Author: Rev Dr Janette Krige
Date: May 2011
Context: A position offered on women's perspective of the use of clerical and preaching wear in the MCSA context.
Status: Discussion document
Author: Rev Dr Janette Krige
Date: May 2011
Context: A position offered on women's perspective of the use of clerical and preaching wear in the MCSA context.
Status: Discussion document
Tuesday 24 August 2010
Ordination and non-itinerant ministry
Download here
Author: Rev Peter Grassow
Date: August 2010
Context: Discussion document on the meaning of ordination and non-itinerant ministry in the MCSA
Status: DEWCOM response for Conference 2010
Author: Rev Peter Grassow
Date: August 2010
Context: Discussion document on the meaning of ordination and non-itinerant ministry in the MCSA
Status: DEWCOM response for Conference 2010
Tuesday 30 March 2010
Advance directives – “Living Will”
Download here
Author:Rev. Kenneth Carr
Date: March 2010
Context: On the question of a living will, DEWCOM was requested to put forward a discussion document which would give some direction for those considering this option.
Status: Discussion document for adoption by Conference
Author:Rev. Kenneth Carr
Date: March 2010
Context: On the question of a living will, DEWCOM was requested to put forward a discussion document which would give some direction for those considering this option.
Status: Discussion document for adoption by Conference
Thursday 1 October 2009
Climate change - A challenge to the churches in South Africa
Download here.
Download Endorsement Form.
Author: South African Council of Churches (Used with permission)
Date: 1 October 2009
Context: Document on climate change.
Status: SACC document
Download Endorsement Form.
Author: South African Council of Churches (Used with permission)
Date: 1 October 2009
Context: Document on climate change.
Status: SACC document
Wednesday 2 September 2009
Response to Rev Dr Dion Foster’s document regarding "Ordained Deacons and the Sacraments"
Download here.
Author: Mrs. Dianne Sundberg
Date: 1 September 2009
Context: This document argues for the right of Deacons to receive dispensation to administer the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
Status: Discussion document. DEWCOM endorsed the findings of Dr. Forster's article.
Author: Mrs. Dianne Sundberg
Date: 1 September 2009
Context: This document argues for the right of Deacons to receive dispensation to administer the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
Status: Discussion document. DEWCOM endorsed the findings of Dr. Forster's article.
CUC: Model for a United Church
Download here.
Author: Church Unity Commission
Date: 1 September 2009
Context: This is a discussion document produced by the CUC describing a model for the formation of a United church by the CUC-partner churches. This document will be tabled at Conference 2009 and will then go through the normal MCSA structures and processes.
Status: CUC document.
Author: Church Unity Commission
Date: 1 September 2009
Context: This is a discussion document produced by the CUC describing a model for the formation of a United church by the CUC-partner churches. This document will be tabled at Conference 2009 and will then go through the normal MCSA structures and processes.
Status: CUC document.
Tuesday 17 March 2009
GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF CLERICAL VESTMENTS AND FORMAL METHODIST ECCLESIASTICAL ATTIRE.
Download here.
Author: Rev. Tim Attwell
Date: 17 March 2009
Context: A contribution vestments and clerical attire.
Status: Official DEWCOM document.
Author: Rev. Tim Attwell
Date: 17 March 2009
Context: A contribution vestments and clerical attire.
Status: Official DEWCOM document.
The Methodist Church of Southern Africa and homosexuality: A re-reading of Leviticus 18:22
Download here.
Author: Rev. Ndhiko Mtshiselwa
Date: 17 March 2009
Context: A contribution to the same-sex discussion by an ordained minister in the MCSA
Status: Discussion paper received by DEWCOM.
Author: Rev. Ndhiko Mtshiselwa
Date: 17 March 2009
Context: A contribution to the same-sex discussion by an ordained minister in the MCSA
Status: Discussion paper received by DEWCOM.
Wednesday 17 September 2008
Undoing closure: A contribution to the same-sex discussion
Download here.
Author: Rev. Faan Myburgh
Date: 17 March 2009
Context: A contribution to the same-sex discussion by an ordained minister in the MCSA
Status: Discussion paper received by DEWCOM.
Author: Rev. Faan Myburgh
Date: 17 March 2009
Context: A contribution to the same-sex discussion by an ordained minister in the MCSA
Status: Discussion paper received by DEWCOM.
Tuesday 4 March 2008
Living together in the household of God. Stipends.
Download here.
Author: Rev. Roger Scholtz
Date: 4 March 2008
Context: These articles were published in The New Dimension as a series addressing theological underpinnings for the understanding of stipends
Status: Adopted by DEWCOM.
Author: Rev. Roger Scholtz
Date: 4 March 2008
Context: These articles were published in The New Dimension as a series addressing theological underpinnings for the understanding of stipends
Status: Adopted by DEWCOM.
Wednesday 22 August 2007
The Rise of African Biblical scholarship.
Download here.
Author: Rev. P.M.S. Matsepe
Date: July 2007 meeting
Context: This paper explores African hermeneutics and applies specifically to the questions raised concerning Biblical interpretation.
Status of document: Referred paper
Author: Rev. P.M.S. Matsepe
Date: July 2007 meeting
Context: This paper explores African hermeneutics and applies specifically to the questions raised concerning Biblical interpretation.
Status of document: Referred paper
Friday 8 June 2007
Christians and Same-sex Relationships Discussion Guide - Conference 2003
Download here.
Author: DEWCOM
Date: Conference 2003
Context: DEWCOM was mandated by Conference to supply a discussion guide by 2003 to facilitate conversations in Societies, Circuits and Districts regarding Christians and same-sex relationships.
Document status: Adopted by Conference.
Author: DEWCOM
Date: Conference 2003
Context: DEWCOM was mandated by Conference to supply a discussion guide by 2003 to facilitate conversations in Societies, Circuits and Districts regarding Christians and same-sex relationships.
Document status: Adopted by Conference.
Wednesday 23 May 2007
Same-sex relationships: An alternative view to the Discussion Guide
Download here.
Author: Rev. Dave Morgan
Date: Prestented at the October 2006 meeting.
Context: In light of the same-sex debate, Rev. Morgan argues that the findings of DEWCOM's Same-sex discussion guide are not fully representative of current views. This paper adds to the discussion by presenting views from Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience that suggest that same-sex relationships are not in accordance with orthodox Christian theology.
Document status: Under discussion.
Author: Rev. Dave Morgan
Date: Prestented at the October 2006 meeting.
Context: In light of the same-sex debate, Rev. Morgan argues that the findings of DEWCOM's Same-sex discussion guide are not fully representative of current views. This paper adds to the discussion by presenting views from Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience that suggest that same-sex relationships are not in accordance with orthodox Christian theology.
Document status: Under discussion.
Tuesday 22 May 2007
Scripture and same-sex relations
Download here.
Author: Rev. Ray Alistoun
Date: Presented at the October 2006 meeting.
Context: In light of the same-sex debate, Rev. Alistoun argues that same-sex relationships are not viewed in a positive light by Scripture.
Author: Rev. Ray Alistoun
Date: Presented at the October 2006 meeting.
Context: In light of the same-sex debate, Rev. Alistoun argues that same-sex relationships are not viewed in a positive light by Scripture.
Wednesday 16 May 2007
Holding hands is not for sissies.
Download here.
Author: Rev. Greg Andrews
Date: Presented at the October 2006 meeting
Context: In light of the same-sex debate, Rev Andrews presented this paper arguing for a more inclusive position to be held by the MCSA.
Author: Rev. Greg Andrews
Date: Presented at the October 2006 meeting
Context: In light of the same-sex debate, Rev Andrews presented this paper arguing for a more inclusive position to be held by the MCSA.
African Culture and Homosexual relationships
Download here.
Author: Rev. Sijadu Nkomonde
Date: Presented at the October 2006 meeting
Context: In light of the same-sex debate, Rev. Nkomonde presented this paper, urguing that same-sex relationships are not foreign to African culture.
Author: Rev. Sijadu Nkomonde
Date: Presented at the October 2006 meeting
Context: In light of the same-sex debate, Rev. Nkomonde presented this paper, urguing that same-sex relationships are not foreign to African culture.
Friday 30 March 2007
Bibliography on Mission in South Africa
Download here
Author: Rev. Wessel Bentley
Date: Presented at the October 2006 meeting.
Context: Resources for mission are not well known. Rev. Bentley compiled a bibliography of relevant material relating to mission in Southern Africa.
Author: Rev. Wessel Bentley
Date: Presented at the October 2006 meeting.
Context: Resources for mission are not well known. Rev. Bentley compiled a bibliography of relevant material relating to mission in Southern Africa.
Stipends within the MCSA
Download here
Author: Rev. Alan Storey
Date: Presented at the May 2006 meeting
Context: The MCSA is debating the current stipend system. Rev. Storey proposes a biblical model of the sharing of resources that balances justice and equality.
Author: Rev. Alan Storey
Date: Presented at the May 2006 meeting
Context: The MCSA is debating the current stipend system. Rev. Storey proposes a biblical model of the sharing of resources that balances justice and equality.
DODGING THE DOGMATISMS: METHODIST REFLECTIONS ON ABORTION
Download here
Author: Rev. Prof. Neville Richardson
Date: Submitted at the May 2006 meeting
Context: The MCSA's stance on abortion has been questioned. In this paper, Rev. Prof. Richardson explores the theological and ethical considerations relating to this issue.
Author: Rev. Prof. Neville Richardson
Date: Submitted at the May 2006 meeting
Context: The MCSA's stance on abortion has been questioned. In this paper, Rev. Prof. Richardson explores the theological and ethical considerations relating to this issue.
Thursday 29 March 2007
Surrogate Motherhood
Download here
Author: Rev. Ken Carr
Date: Presented at the May 2007 meeting.
Context: Considering the debate on adoption and parenthood, Rev. Carr explores the theological and ethical considerations for surrogate motherhood.
Author: Rev. Ken Carr
Date: Presented at the May 2007 meeting.
Context: Considering the debate on adoption and parenthood, Rev. Carr explores the theological and ethical considerations for surrogate motherhood.
A theological consideration of the ‘Covenant relationship’, between the MCSA and Ministers ordained by (and in full connexion with) the MCSA
Download here
Author: Rev. Tim Attwell
Date: Presented at the May 2007 meeting.
Context: The debate concerning stipends in the MCSA has raised questions about the covenantal relationship between the church and its ministers. In this paper Rev. Attwell explores the historical and theological meaning of this relationship.
Author: Rev. Tim Attwell
Date: Presented at the May 2007 meeting.
Context: The debate concerning stipends in the MCSA has raised questions about the covenantal relationship between the church and its ministers. In this paper Rev. Attwell explores the historical and theological meaning of this relationship.
An ecclesiology with particular reference to the mission of the Church as it concerns the Apostolate of the laity
Download here
Author: Rev. Tim Attwell
Date: Presented at the May 2007 meeting.
Context: The MCSA recognises the importance of every-member ministry. Rev. Attwell describes the relationship between clergy and the laity as it relates to their specific expressions of ministry.
Author: Rev. Tim Attwell
Date: Presented at the May 2007 meeting.
Context: The MCSA recognises the importance of every-member ministry. Rev. Attwell describes the relationship between clergy and the laity as it relates to their specific expressions of ministry.
Ordained Deacons and the Sacraments in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa
Download here
Author: Rev. Dr. Dion Forster
Date: Presented at the May 2007 meeting.
Context: The Order of Deacons requested permission to dispense the Elements in places where there is insufficient ministerial oversight. In this paper, Rev. Dr. Forster argues that the ordination of Deacons is very specific and would be devalued if the Ordination for Sacrament were included in their definition of Ordination.
Author: Rev. Dr. Dion Forster
Date: Presented at the May 2007 meeting.
Context: The Order of Deacons requested permission to dispense the Elements in places where there is insufficient ministerial oversight. In this paper, Rev. Dr. Forster argues that the ordination of Deacons is very specific and would be devalued if the Ordination for Sacrament were included in their definition of Ordination.
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