The November issue of The Banner includes an article called "Adopt the Belhar" by Rev. Peter Borgdorff. The online version of the article includes five discussion questions.
The new Banner website (ETA January?) will allow for online comments and discussion. But, in the meantime, feel free to discuss these questions right here on The Network.
- Are the roots of apartheid present in our society, community, and church? If so, where?
- Rev. Peter Borgdorff believes that the Belhar Confession speaks clearly to the principles of unity, reconciliation, and justice — themes that are not clearly expressed in our confessions. Do you agree? Is that a strong argument for adopting the Belhar as another confession?
- Borgdorff argues that we should adopt the Belhar because of our "lack of unity ... need for reconciliation ... and participation in matters of injustice, including racism." Share examples of where that is so. Do those examples demonstrate sufficient cause for adopting the Belhar or a confessional statement like it?
- Would it be sufficient to adopt the Belhar without giving it the status of another confession?
- Should the Belhar be adopted by Reformed denominations worldwide?