NG Moreletapark church in Pretoria East.
One of the biggest and best-known Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) congregations, Moreletapark, in the eastern part of Pretoria, has recently been the topic of controversial news reports after it announced it may renounce its membership of the DRC.
Moreletapark’s disclosure was made about two months after the Pretoria High Court judgment in March which overturned the Dutch Reformed Church’s decision not to recognise same-sex unions within the church.
Pieter Breytenbach.
Responding to questions from Gateway News, Pieter Breytenbach chief operating officer of NG Moreletapark says the decision to split from the Dutch Reformed Church is not final.
“The only decision that has been made is that the congregation cannot continue with the current partnership. The final decision regarding the possible separation will only be made after discussions with all the leadership structures concerned within the DR Church.”
The decision to consider a split with the DRC came after the congregation completed a period of 40 days of prayer and fasting.
“The fasting and prayer was focused on the way forward for the congregation, as well as our role in the DR Church that includes a few other matters such as our involvement in the community, leadership, and more. Following the fasting and prayer, feedback received from the members, staff and leadership indicated that we cannot continue within the current situation in the DR Church, thus the issue was raised at that stage,” he says.
He says that to split from the DRC is not just as easy as calling it quits.
“The reasons for the decision will first be discussed internally with the leadership of the DR Church and the Eastern Synod, then the next step will be taken after the outcomes of these discussions. This could be a long journey. It depends on the responses we receive from the leadership as well as perhaps other congregations that will be the determining factors,” Breytenbach says.
He says the main reason for the proposed split is a concern that the DRC has made certain decisions that are not scripturally sound.
“We cannot support these views as we have to obey God and be true to the Bible. If we cannot resolve these issues after the discussions, we will then have to make a final decision whether we are going to separate. Our mission and focus is not the split, but to obey God and be faithful to the Word of God.”
Breytenbach foresees some difficulties in the process.
“In any process of this kind, one can expect difficulties. The discussions with the different leadership in the DR Church will not be easy. One cannot predict the outcome. For example; if we decide to split, the ownership of the buildings will come into question. We pray that we can complete the process in a kind and loving manner as the Lord expects us to.”