Pilgrimage of Grace reflection: Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg

“No one lives in isolation; we need each other. For us to live in unity, we need to lay down our lives, reach out to one another, listen in love and with empathy and work together as believers to set the example,” says Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg as she reflects on her participation in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace, a three-day journey towards repentance, reconciliation, restoration and prayer in the Genadendal community, the Moravian Church and South Africa as a whole.

The seeds were sown

The seed for the Pilgrimage of Grace was sown a few years ago when Hanneli and Anneke Rabe were moved by a book by UK writer Phil Anderson, Lord of the Ring. “This book really made us realise that repentance and reconciliation were needed between the Dutch Reformed Church and the Moravian Church. Many years later it was also very special to have Phil be a part of the Pilgrimage,” Hanneli says.

The groundwork for the Pilgrimage was laid over various years, but one of Hanneli’s highlights was a visit to Genadendal in February this year. “The love and warmth of the Moravian church was overwhelming. We were accepted as brothers and sisters in Christ, while we had the privilege to explore the town and museum.”

In June 2022 a group met at the Groote Kerk in Cape Town, where Rev Martin Abrahams of the Moravian Church delivered a message. “It was based on Herod who sent the wise men to find out more about Jesus’ birth, but that the Lord cautioned them to return home by another way. Rev Martin urged us as a church to go another way, be on a new path, towards reconciliation. These words were so timely, especially in the Groote Kerk where the Dutch Reformed Church has its roots.”

The Pilgrimage

Then the weekend of the Pilgrimage of Grace arrived, from 23 to 25 September 2022. The first stop was at Moravian Hill in District 6, where the Group Areas Act led to many people being evicted from the area. “I could really feel the hurt and pain of the Moravian community, yet they were warm and welcoming and willing to open themselves up for us to ask for forgiveness and for relationships to be forged. This could only be made possible through Christ.”

Thereafter in the Groote Kerk, Hanneli was touched by a repentance from Anneke for apartheid, as well as Khumo Ntlha’s reaction of forgiveness (whom herself were convicted by the Lord that she should forgive her enemies). “It was amazing to see this friendship being forged – and then seeing Khumo’s husband Rev Moss Ntlha of the Evangelical Alliance of South Africa (TEASA) stand up on the pulpit of the Groote Kerk to deliver a message!”

Hanneli’s ultimate highlight was on the second day in Genadendal when Rev Nelis Janse van Rensburg of the Dutch Reformed Church repented on behalf of the church and Rev Martin Abrahams stood next to him, both crying. “At that moment I realised the extent, depth and necessity of the reconciliation that was taking place – and even more significant, that our prayers over the past more than two decades have been answered.”

The Holy Spirit’s presence was also tangible during the Genadendal service when a dove flew around in the church and started cooing during Nelis’ prayer for repentance as if to say, “Amen! Amen!”, before resting on the pulpit.

Symbolic of the unity of the two churches, the church leaders of the Moravian and Dutch Reformed Churches lit a candle each at Moravian Hill and the Groote Kerk and brought these candles to Genadendal where they lit a third candle together at the Genadendal Moravian church. “We then walked out of the church service with tea light candles which is symbolic of us going out to be a light to the world, spreading the message further.”

On the last day, at the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas, various pilgrims from across South Africa, Europe, the United States and other countries repented on behalf of their nations for injustices towards Africa and its people. “We then strew salt across the Map of Africa as a symbol of cleansing and healing. We also need to be salt of the earth.”

Personal journey

“Through the Pilgrimage, I now know that anything is possible with God. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re part of the church leadership or a housewife – each of us can and should do our part to make reconciliation a reality. You just need to make yourself available to God and He will do the rest.”

Hanneli went through her own personal journey of repentance and forgiveness before she went on the Pilgrimage. “I couldn’t stand before the Lord during the Pilgrimage with unresolved issues. I had to be clean before Him.”

The power of reconciliation

“No one lives in isolation. As believers we’re all part of the body of Christ and need to live in unity with Him and others to glorify Him and to be a witness to the world. For us to live in unity, we need to lay down our lives, reach out to one another, listen in love and with empathy and work together as believers to set the example.”

Hanneli believes that the Pilgrimage of Grace will have a lasting effect on the individuals and communities involved. “It was not a rushed process and came from years of forging new and strengthening existing friendships. The topic of reconciliation is top of mind for the pilgrims who attended it and they have really committed to being ambassadors for reconciliation in their communities.”

“The question now remains: What steps can you take today to bring about unity and reconciliation around you?” The journey still continues and Hanneli looks forward to seeing what God is planning next.

BACKGROUND TO THE PILGRIMAGE OF GRACE

From 23 to 25 September 2022 a group of diverse individuals from South Africa and abroad participated in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace – a three-day journey towards repentance for past injustices in the Genadendal community, against the Moravian Church and in South Africa as a whole, along with reconciliation, restoration and prayer. The Pilgrimage formed part of prayer initiatives and actions from various groups across South Africa over the past few decades that centred on Jesus’ prayer in John 17: 20b – 22 (NIV): “I pray that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us.”

The Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace was organised by the South African Christian Leadership Initiative (SACLI Reconcile) and supported by Global Voice of Prayer, in Harmonie, the Moravian Church of South Africa, the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa and various other ministries, denominations and individuals. The three-day Pilgrimage included:

23 September: A service at the Dutch Reformed Church Groote Kerk in Cape Town

24 September: A public event at the Moravian Church in Genadendal with a focus on repentance

25 September: A prayer gathering at the Southernmost Tip of Africa (l’Agulhas) for healing of the African continent. This also kicked off a 54 days of Prayer for Africa movement.

Read more here

Pilgrimage of Grace reflection: Anneke Rabe

“To be reconciled to one another through Jesus Christ brings healing, hope and freedom,” says Anneke Rabe, as she reflects on her participation in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace, a three-day journey towards repentance, reconciliation, restoration and prayer in the Genadendal community, the Moravian Church and South Africa as a whole.

“The Pilgrimage was one of the spiritual highlights of my life, because I’ve been praying for this since 1999 – even though I didn’t know at the time that the Pilgrimage was part of what I was praying for. When we started praying John 17 as a group of housewives in Mkhondo (Piet Retief) in 1999, we prayed for unity between black and white people in South Africa, without realising the depth and extent of what we were praying for.”

The groundwork

Anneke believes that prayers and actions from various individuals and groups laid the groundwork over the past two decades. “Reconciliation doesn’t just happen and it’s not just about saying you’re sorry – it’s about building relationships. We need to build longer tables, not higher walls, and the Lord has given us opportunities to do this over the past few years.”

In 2003, Anneke and the prayer group in Mkhondo walked with the white church leaders of their town to the stadium in the township to publicly kneel before the black church leaders and repent for the sins of apartheid. They were received warmly and that action of repentance started a journey of deeper reconciliation in their town.

In 2008 the Lord opened up doors for the group to repent at the Parliament of Mpumalanga for apartheid. And then, in 2016, after visiting many townships, hearing people’s stories, repenting, washing feet and showing compassion, the Lord created the opportunity for the white Afrikaans speaking churches of South Africa  to repent for forcing black schoolchildren during apartheid to be educated in Afrikaans . This watershed event took place at the  Orlando Stadium, Soweto on 11 June 2016, 40 years after the Soweto riots.

After that, SACLI established its Reconciliation arm, Reconcile SA and in 2017 the group prayed, repented and performed prophetic actions at various sites and communities across South Africa, including Durban, the Union Buildings, Table Mountain, the Dikgale township near Polokwane. In 2017 they were invited to the Parliament of South Africa to pray and repent for various injustices, including the Natives Land Act of 1913. “The Land Act caused so much pain over our nation. Overnight people who owned land were landless and couldn’t own property.”

Anneke and her friend, Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg were moved by the book, Lord of the Ring, by UK author Phil Anderson. In 2010 they visited Herrnhut in Germany and God guided them to repent to a Moravian woman they met there ,on behalf of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC).They both have their roots in the Dutch Reformed Church. Anneke said  “We knew that there were many injustices against the Moravian Church that needed to be set right. I got to know Rev Nelis Janse van Rensburg (moderator of the DRC) during the Soweto event and when I asked him if the DRC leaders would be willing to repent to the Genadendal community and Moravian Church, the answer was a definite yes.”  Anneke leads SACLI Reconcile and the wheels were set in motion to bring together both the Dutch Reformed and Moravian Churches for a day of Reconciliation, which became a Pilgrimage of Grace.

Pilgrimage highlights

One of Anneke’s highlights during the three-day Pilgrimage was on the second day at Genadendal when Rev Nelis repented. “The way he did it, being so specific, was above and beyond what I could have expected. Hanneli and I sat next to each other, crying as we realised that God did exceedingly and abundantly more than what we ever could have asked or prayed for.”

On the last day at Cape Agulhas, after all the prayers of repentance to Africa, Steven Owino from Uganda did a prayer extending forgiveness towards the white people from Europe, the United States and across the world for colonialism, exploitation and racism. “That prayer brought a lot of freedom. It was also significant that we prayed at the Southernmost point of Africa, where it felt as though heaven and earth were called to witness what we were doing.”

What stood out the most for Anneke during the Pilgrimage was the extravagant grace the Moravian Church extended towards the group. “Their unconditional forgiveness and the way they opened their arms and embraced us. It was an experience of love you can’t explain. I believe that, through the prayers over all of these years, the Lord softened hearts. It was Jesus working through all of us, because we are not able to forgive in our own power.”

Part of the puzzle

Anneke believes that the Pilgrimage is one piece of a larger puzzle that will bring about lasting change in the individuals and communities involved. “Just by looking at the relationships that were forged and are now being strengthened between the 60 people who attended the Pilgrimage, you can see that many have received healing and are now intentionally getting to know one another. They have become carriers of hope, and I’m excited to see what will flow from this, as well as the prayer actions that are continuing.”

 “What was great about the Pilgrimage was that we never focused on the titles or backgrounds of people. There were leaders of big organisations, housewives that lead prayer groups, young people, old people, wealthy people, poor people and those who are in-between. But when we came together all of our differences fell away and we were one; brothers and sisters in Christ. This was in answer to Jesus’ last prayer in John 17 for us to be one, but also the great commission that we should go into the world and make disciples, and fulfilling the great command to love God and each other.”

There is hope

“To be reconciled to one another through Jesus Christ brings healing, hope and freedom. And there is so much hope in South Africa. When we are together in Him as one, the world will know that we are His disciples and I know that South Africa and the African continent will be changed.” The group of pilgrims will meet again next year to create the opportunity for them to deepen their relationships even further. There will also be meetings to discuss restitution and restoration projects. They will also create times of prayer to always hear what is on God’s heart to be led by His Spirit.

Anneke encourages fellow believers to know that God hears the prayers of ordinary people. “You must be intentional with reconciliation. And then you need to remember the three P’s. Firstly, drench whatever you want to do in PRAYER. Secondly, PERSEVERE. You have to carry on, even if it’s very difficult and you face opposition as we have. Third and most importantly, remember the POWER OF LOVE. You can’t be reconciled to millions of people, but you can be reconciled to and build relationships with those with which the Lord have surrounded you. Out of that, people will look at you, see that there’s an authentic relationship and start following your example.”

BACKGROUND TO THE PILGRIMAGE OF GRACE

From 23 to 25 September 2022 a group of diverse individuals from South Africa and abroad participated in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace – a three-day journey towards repentance for past injustices in the Genadendal community, against the Moravian Church and in South Africa as a whole, along with reconciliation, restoration and prayer. The Pilgrimage formed part of prayer initiatives and actions from various groups across South Africa over the past few decades that centred on Jesus’ prayer in John 17: 20b – 22 (NIV): “I pray that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us.”

The Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace was organised by the South African Christian Leadership Initiative (SACLI Reconcile) and supported by Global Voice of Prayer, in Harmonie, the Moravian Church of South Africa, the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa and various other ministries, denominations and individuals. The three-day Pilgrimage included:

23 September: A service at the Dutch Reformed Church Groote Kerk in Cape Town

24 September: A public event at the Moravian Church in Genadendal with a focus on repentance

25 September: A prayer gathering at the Southernmost Tip of Africa (l’Agulhas) for healing of the African continent. This also kicked off a 54 days of Prayer for Africa movement.

Read more here

Pilgrimage of Grace reflection: Rev Martin Abrahams

“The ingredients for true reconciliation remain repentance and forgiveness,” says Rev Martin Abrahams, President of the Moravian Church of South Africa as he reflects on his participation in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace, a three-day journey towards repentance, reconciliation, restoration and prayer in the Genadendal community, the Moravian Church and South Africa as a whole.

While reflecting and reminiscing on the 2022 Pilgrimage of Grace, Rev Abrahams was once again reminded that that we are mere instruments in the hands of God. The Pilgrimage of Grace afforded all participants and especially the Dutch Reformed Church and the Moravian Church to reflect on the past by revisiting and reviewing history.

“In reflecting on the sad history of both Church and State, I became aware that the path to reconciliation is never an easy one given the pain suffered, the injustices endured, the loss of life and the expropriation of property. It is within this whirlpool that it was expected of us to walk the road towards reconciliation.”

When asked whether the pilgrims achieved what they set out to do, Rev Abraham’s simple answer is an emphatic YES. “The Genadendal leg of the Pilgrimage, and I need to mention the Spirit-filled atmosphere during the service, is forever cemented in my heart. The participation of a vastly diverse congregation in the God-inspired service was overwhelming as the willingness and dedication to find each other was almost tangible.”

According to him, the ingredients for true reconciliation remain repentance and forgiveness. “These elements were clearly visible during the Pilgrimage and therefore I wholeheartedly believe that it is indeed possible for people to find each other irrespective of a painful past.”

The many lives touched by the openness and honesty displayed on the Pilgrimage will go into the world and witness on God’s grace. Through their own lives, own behaviour they will show to the world that it is indeed possible for people to be reconciled.

“It is possible for people to change! It is possible for people to confess! It is possible for people to forgive! As Christians we believe that reconciliation inspired by God is possible!”

BACKGROUND TO THE PILGRIMAGE OF GRACE

From 23 to 25 September 2022 a group of diverse individuals from South Africa and abroad participated in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace – a three-day journey towards repentance for past injustices in the Genadendal community, against the Moravian Church and in South Africa as a whole, along with reconciliation, restoration and prayer. The Pilgrimage formed part of prayer initiatives and actions from various groups across South Africa over the past few decades that centred on Jesus’ prayer in John 17: 20b – 22 (NIV): “I pray that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us.”

The Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace was organised by the South African Christian Leadership Initiative (SACLI Reconcile) and supported by Global Voice of Prayer, in Harmonie, the Moravian Church of South Africa, the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa and various other ministries, denominations and individuals. The three-day Pilgrimage included:

23 September: A service at the Dutch Reformed Church Groote Kerk in Cape Town

24 September: A public event at the Moravian Church in Genadendal with a focus on repentance

25 September: A prayer gathering at the Southernmost Tip of Africa (l’Agulhas) for healing of the African continent. This also kicked off a 54 days of Prayer for Africa movement.

Read more here

Pilgrimage of Grace reflection: Rev Edwin Arrison

“Reconciliation is in the DNA of the church, and the sooner we acknowledge and own that, the better. We need to set the example as peacemakers,” says Rev Edwin Arrison of the Anglican Church of South Africa, as he reflects on his participation in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace, a three-day journey towards repentance, reconciliation, restoration and prayer in the Genadendal community, the Moravian Church and South Africa as a whole.

“The Pilgrimage was a healing experience with moments of great joy and also lots of tears,” Edwin says. A confession and repentance by Anneke Rabe (one of the organisers) on day one of the Pilgrimage at the Moravian Church laid a strong foundation for what would ensue over the next two days.

“What was even more striking to me was the fact that it was a housewife from Mpumalanga (Anneke) who set the wheels in motion for the Pilgrimage, following more than two decades of collective prayers for unity.”

Edwin really hopes that the prayers, unity and relationship that flowed from the Pilgrimage of Grace will bring about lasting change for the individuals and communities involved. “If it was only a once-off feel-good experience, we would have failed. But if it has set us on a path to continually practice reconciliation and restitution, we are aligned with God’s plan.”

The fact that the Pilgrimage was very specific with regard to repentance, forgiveness and relationship between the Genadendal community, Moravian Church and the Dutch Reformed Church, while at the same time expanding this to the whole African continent, set those involved up for a miracle to happen.

Set the example

Edwin calls on fellow Christ-followers in South Africa to take up their role as peacemakers. “Reconciliation is in the DNA of the church, and the sooner we acknowledge and own that, the better. We do not have a message for the world or the society if we cannot practice reconciliation in the church first. This opens the door for multiple moments of reconciliation which can be a witness for Christians across the globe to draw energy from us. This can be Africa’s contribution to the world-wide Christian family. We are a diverse group and we will keep each other honest, so there is great hope in what we have started.”

BACKGROUND TO THE PILGRIMAGE OF GRACE

From 23 to 25 September 2022 a group of diverse individuals from South Africa and abroad participated in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace – a three-day journey towards repentance for past injustices in the Genadendal community, against the Moravian Church and in South Africa as a whole, along with reconciliation, restoration and prayer. The Pilgrimage formed part of prayer initiatives and actions from various groups across South Africa over the past few decades that centred on Jesus’ prayer in John 17: 20b – 22 (NIV): “I pray that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us.”

The Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace was organised by the South African Christian Leadership Initiative (SACLI Reconcile) and supported by Global Voice of Prayer, in Harmonie, the Moravian Church of South Africa, the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa and various other ministries, denominations and individuals. The three-day Pilgrimage included:

23 September: A service at the Dutch Reformed Church Groote Kerk in Cape Town

24 September: A public event at the Moravian Church in Genadendal with a focus on repentance

25 September: A prayer gathering at the Southernmost Tip of Africa (l’Agulhas) for healing of the African continent. This also kicked off a 54 days of Prayer for Africa movement.

Read more here

Pilgrimage of Grace reflection: Rev Nelis Janse van Rensburg

“We need the movement of the Holy Spirit to unite believers in their resistance to division and discontent, against exploitation, shame and the abuse of power,” says Rev Nelis Janse van Rensburg, the moderator of the Dutch Reformed Church as he reflects on his participation in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace, a three-day journey towards repentance, reconciliation, restoration and prayer in the Genadendal community, the Moravian Church and South Africa as a whole.

Runup to the Pilgrimage

Two events earlier this year made deep impressions and inadvertently became the spiritual and emotional background for Nelis’ very intense experience of the Pilgrimage of Grace.

While attending the World Council of Churches’ (WCC) 11^th General Assembly in Karlsruhe in September, Nelis profoundly realised how serious the world church is about the gospel of reconciliation. “The theme of the synod, The love of Christ moves the world to reconciliation and unity, was not just a pretentious slogan – the delegates really meant it. After that, watching the age-old Passion Play in Oberammergau with my wife, I became deeply aware of the social implications of Jesus’ ministry. The script and the staging of the ministry of Christ was a very authentic and compelling version of the gospel.”

Nelis and Gustav Claassen represented the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) in Norway when it was readmitted as a member of the WCC in 2016, after the DRC itself revoked its membership in 1962 and at the time made a choice against the reconciliation movement of the WCC in South Africa. The Cottesloe Consultation of churches in December 1960 in Johannesburg, which was initiated by the WCC, was intended to consolidate Christians against the fallacies of apartheid. However, the path of the DRC after they left the WCC was a path of secession, division and abuse of power.

“The DRC’s return to the WCC, with the blessing of the other member churches from South Africa and the African continent, was a joyful occasion. I never realised that the world church was waiting so anxiously for our conversion and official return to the gospel of peace and reconciliation.”

Walking to the podium of the Moravian Church in District 6 on 23 September 2022, Nelis felt the gravitas of the gospel resting heavily on his shoulders. “The Pilgrimage was a moment of truth for the DRC. Earlier, I informed the members of the NG Church in the Western Cape Moderamen about the Pilgrimage and my intention to repent again that we have sinned through our support of apartheid, but also to emphasise our commitment to restoration. I had the full support of the Moderamen and knew that on the Pilgrimage I really represented the Western Cape Dutch Reformed Church.”

The Moravian Church’s journey

District 6 is a symbol of everything that was reprehensible about apartheid, Nelis says. There, in the heart of the Mother City, the most expensive piece of land in our country still lies bare. There is really nothing left of the former suburb which was home to so many coloured people. Apartheid swept it away. But Moravian Hill is still there. “I was not aware of the little church at the top of the empty District 6 until I became part of planning the weekend of the Pilgrimage. Moravian Hill is a relic, almost like the stump of Isaiah, a relic of our divisive and dehumanising past. Our Pilgrimage had to begin there.”

The Moravian Church is a proud church, rising above the humiliation of apartheid and absorbing the rejection of white people while keeping an evangelical course. “Maybe their contact with Hernnhut in Germany was like an umbilical cord to a source of human dignity. In Genadendal, where the Moravian Church in South Africa had its origins, Rev George Schmidt sowed the seed. Sister Vehettge, or Magdalena, as she was named by the missionary at her baptism, and others continued to sow the seed of the Gospel after he left, and the harvest was great. The kingdom has broken into the hearts and lives of thousands and thousands of people.”

The church developed its own culture, with its roots deep in the Bohemian reformation of the 15^th century, and found its own ‘blue note’. But somewhere, deep in the Moravian church’s soul, there was still pain from rejection and continued humiliation. “At first it was open rejection. Later it became the silence, which was almost more painful. The white people, the DRC, after their 1986 reversal of their views of apartheid, did nothing, and said nothing to the Moravians. The silence kept the rejection alive. After all, there are few things as painful as being ignored. It is so humiliating, so dismissive.”

Repentance should be a knee-jerk reaction

“The confession I made at Genadendal (Valley of Grace) on behalf of the DRC was not that special. Is it not what Christians are supposed to do? We confess our guilt, before God and men. It is supposed to be like a jerk reaction. Ask forgiveness for your sins and where it influenced people, ask them for forgiveness too. We confess that we take the commission of Christ to minister reconciliation seriously.”

Reconciliation starts by being reconciled to God, and then imitating or repeating it to those against whom you have sinned and who have sinned against you. “I don’t know why our repentance to the Moravian Church only happened at this late point in time. But what was remarkable about Genadendal was the forgiveness, the gracious and merciful walking away from the past by the Moravians, reaching out to people who don’t deserve it. It felt like we were players in an evangelical drama, almost like the Passion Play. On the moment of confession, Rev Martin Abrahams (the president of the Moravian Church) stood up while I was praying and put his hand on my shoulder. I knew then that everything was right. The love of Christ really moves people to reconciliation and unity. Where there is love, there Christ is Lord.”

Answered prayers

Many prayers were answered in the run-up to, and during the Pilgrimage, from those involved.

Rev Edwin Arrison of the South African Christian Leadership Initiative (SACLI) is a man of God who made reconciliation part of his humanity. Anneke Rabe and Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg were called by the Lord to a ministry of reconciliation. “From Anneke, I learned in the Groote Kerk that a plea for forgiveness must be specific. Hanneli’s intercession is powerful and speaks deeply into my self-understanding as a dependent on God.”

“Prayer has a powerful effect. The Lord heard these Kingdom prayers, the cry, the yearning for peace and reconciliation resonated deeply in His heart. The Pilgrimage was a movement, a movement of the Spirit. The celebration of the grace of God in which we all participated was exuberant and almost overwhelming. The presence of a television news team unexpectedly gave us an opportunity to witness nationwide to the love of Christ that moved us to reconciliation and unity.”

The journey continues

The Pilgrimage was just one of many actions over the past few years to bring South Africans together, and it is encouraging to see that it hasn’t stopped there.

Archbishop Nkosi Ngese of the Ethiopian Episcopal Church called Nelis a few days after the Pilgrimage after seeing the news reports on television. After meeting with him, Nelis eventually also made a confession at their national synod outside Gqerberha on 11 December 2022.

“A very kind but sensitive woman approached me after my confession. She conveyed her appreciation for my speech but admitted that she was at pains to bid farewell to her 37-year-long struggle with the effects of apartheid. Her family was profoundly hurt under apartheid. She was emotional. I wrapped my arms around her and she began to weep until her body jerked inside.”

“I responded to her that no more words or formulations would make a difference – the battle was no longer outside, but within her heart. The journey was now a journey between her and God. And she said, ‘I’m finally free to start anew today. I leave my anger and rejection here today, in Jesus’ name’. My tears were flowing, because the love of Christ moves people, makes everything new, gives new opportunities, liberates. I saw it before me, I felt it in my arms. I will never forget the way she relaxed, her peace.”

Later, when Nelis said goodbye to the woman, she was covered with peace. She hugged him, tightly, without words, and left. The next morning, the many members of synod who voiced their appreciation grew to a crescendo of goodwill and gratitude, saying “We are the church that raised black consciousness. We want to journey with you, the church of apartheid. We belong together.”  At this moment Nelis was deeply touched and experienced a freedom which is beyond comprehension.

We need a movement of the Spirit

“South Africa does not need more ecumenical bodies. We need a movement, the movement of the Spirit that unites believers in their resistance to separation and discontent, against exploitation, division, distortion, shame and the abuse of power. Now is a new kairos time. May the Lord lead and show us how to multiply what happened in Genadendal and Gqerberha so that the world will know that He is Lord.”

BACKGROUND TO THE PILGRIMAGE OF GRACE

From 23 to 25 September 2022 a group of diverse individuals from South Africa and abroad participated in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace – a three-day journey towards repentance for past injustices in the Genadendal community, against the Moravian Church and in South Africa as a whole, along with reconciliation, restoration and prayer. The Pilgrimage formed part of prayer initiatives and actions from various groups across South Africa over the past few decades that centred on Jesus’ prayer in John 17: 20b – 22 (NIV): “I pray that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us.”

The Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace was organised by the South African Christian Leadership Initiative (SACLI Reconcile) and supported by Global Voice of Prayer, in Harmonie, the Moravian Church of South Africa, the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa and various other ministries, denominations and individuals. The three-day Pilgrimage included:

23 September: A service at the Dutch Reformed Church Groote Kerk in Cape Town

24 September: A public event at the Moravian Church in Genadendal with a focus on repentance

25 September: A prayer gathering at the Southernmost Tip of Africa (l’Agulhas) for healing of the African continent. This also kicked off a 54 days of Prayer for Africa movement.

Read more here

Pilgrimage of Grace reflection: Peter Tarantal

“Reconciliation goes much deeper than just saying sorry. It’s about forging and strengthening relationships and rebuilding trust. This takes patience and perseverance,” says Peter Tarantal, associated international director of Operation Mobilisation as he reflects on his participation in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace, a three-day journey towards repentance, reconciliation, restoration and prayer in the Genadendal community, the Moravian Church and South Africa as a whole.

“For me, personally, it was a dream come true to be part of the Pilgrimage of Grace.” A few years ago, Peter was still leading WENSA (World Evangelisation Network of South Africa), when Prof Willem Saayman, a professor of Practical Theology at UNISA, spoke at one of their conferences about the fault-lines of the South African mission and church. “According to him, the church was trying to catch up to make up for past wrongs, but the fault-lines of racism and division within the church was hampering progress. Unless we address the fault-lines, our foundations for building the church and mission would be shaky.”

The Pilgrimage aimed to address some of these fault-lines, which include the division between the Dutch Reformed Church and the Moravian Church and the ill-treatment of George Schmidt when he ministered to the Genadendal community. “During the Pilgrimage the top leadership of the Dutch Reformed Church repented for their predecessors working Schmidt out of the country and is still actively working towards reconciliation with the Moravian Church.”

For Peter, the overall theme and objective of the Pilgrimage was moving the reconciliation agenda and mission of the church of Christ forward. “It becomes easier to work together as a church and ministry once you’ve dealt with underlying issues.”

‘God moments’

Peter recalls a number of what he calls ‘God moments’ during the three-day Pilgrimage:

“One of these moments was at the Groote Kerk when Anneke Rabe prayed a heartfelt prayer of repentance and Khumo Ntlha gave an earnest response of forgiveness.

It was also really striking at Genadendal when Rev Nelis Janse van Rensburg of the Dutch Reformed Church didn’t just repent for what his forefathers did, but even some of the prevailing attitudes today still such as white supremacy and people feeling a sense of superiority towards other groups.

On the third day of the Pilgrimage as the group stood at the Map of Africa at Cape Agulhas to pray for the continent, there was a real sense that we as South Africans are in unity with the rest of the African continent. At the same time, it was encouraging to see leaders from Europe acknowledge what their forefathers did to the continent of Africa. Of significance was a senior South African leader repenting of Africans selling other Africans into slavery those many years ago.

Finally, I was honoured to be part of a group of 10 who visited the President’s residence (called Genadendal) to pray for the heads of state.”

An ongoing process

“The Pilgrimage was not just a once-off solution to the country and church’s fault-lines. It was just one of many building blocks that God has used over the years to bring about unity, which also includes various prayer movements across the country over the past two decades. The proof of the pudding will be what happens next and beyond. It’s an ongoing process of listening, celebrating, engaging, strengthening relationships and building trust.”

One example of this took place in November when Rev Martin Abrahams, the president of the Moravian Church, delivered a message at a church service in the Welgemoed Dutch Reformed Church, and the Moravian Church’s brass band led worship.

While those who attended the Pilgrimage from various ministries, denominations and organisations are continuing to grow closer, they are also actively working on involving and engaging with other church groups, ministries and communities.

“We would also like to see the Pilgrimage set the wheels in motion for lasting change in the Genadendal community. It’s a shell of its former glory as the location of the first teachers’ training college, and we would like to take hands in helping them rebuild. If we can achieve this, it would be a great example for other communities as we work towards rebuilding South Africa as a whole.”

Commitment is the key

“Reconciliation is Kingdom business. If we want to be true to the Biblical mandate that we’ve been given as followers of Christ, then we dare not give up on each other. Reconciliation is hard work, but it’s only possible if we are willing to lay aside our own agendas and are committed to God’s agenda and to each other,” Peter says.

He urges South Africans to take the time to get to know one another, build relationships and journey together. “Reconciliation goes much deeper than just saying sorry. It’s about forging and strengthening relationships and building trust in the process. This takes patience and perseverance.”

BACKGROUND TO THE PILGRIMAGE OF GRACE

From 23 to 25 September 2022 a group of diverse individuals from South Africa and abroad participated in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace – a three-day journey towards repentance for past injustices in the Genadendal community, against the Moravian Church and in South Africa as a whole, along with reconciliation, restoration and prayer. The Pilgrimage formed part of prayer initiatives and actions from various groups across South Africa over the past few decades that centred on Jesus’ prayer in John 17: 20b – 22 (NIV): “I pray that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us.”

The Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace was organised by the South African Christian Leadership Initiative (SACLI Reconcile) and supported by Global Voice of Prayer, in Harmonie, the Moravian Church of South Africa, the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa and various other ministries, denominations and individuals. The three-day Pilgrimage included:

23 September: A service at the Dutch Reformed Church Groote Kerk in Cape Town

24 September: A public event at the Moravian Church in Genadendal with a focus on repentance

25 September: A prayer gathering at the Southernmost Tip of Africa (l’Agulhas) for healing of the African continent. This also kicked off a 54 days of Prayer for Africa movement.

Read more here

Pilgrimage of Grace reflection: Nqobile Mdletshe

“Repentance and reconciliation are not once-offs. We need to be intentional about keeping reconciliation alive and keeping focus. God has made us bridge-builders,” says Nqobile Mdletshe as she reflects on her participation in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace, a three-day journey towards repentance, reconciliation, restoration and prayer in the Genadendal community, the Moravian Church and South Africa as a whole.

“It was a wonderful to see where we have been on our journey towards reconciliation and how we as a ministry and country are still continuing on this journey,” Nqobile says. This was especially evident in the history of the Moravian Church and their efforts to move past injustices against its people. At the Tutu Museum her eyes were opened to the painful journey of South Africa as a country, but even more so the fact that its people have been so intentional at working towards healing.

Highlights

What stood out the most for Nqobile was when the pilgrims were at the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas on the third day of the Pilgrimage. “Everyone prayed with such a heart for healing of the country and the continent. As we were praying, I felt everyone take part in the healing process and experienced that our prayers having a ripple effect across the whole of Africa.”

“I was also inspired by Rev Riaan de Villiers of the Groote Kerk when he spoke about bringing about change and the importance of repentance regardless of whether it was me or my generation that were in the wrong.”

Nqobile was deeply touched by Rev Nelis Janse van Rensburg’s repentance on behalf of the Dutch Reformed Church and the Afrikaner community as a whole. “Knowing that he might face backlash, he still stood in the gap for those who needed to repent.”

What was most profound during the Pilgrimage was the importance of relationship, says Nqobile. “It started with building relationships with the pilgrims that came from different backgrounds all over South Africa and abroad. I loved praying together, forging friendships, connecting and having conversations of what we want the future to look like.”

One of these pilgrims was Mia du Preez, an Afrikaans-speaking wife and mother from Paarl. “We spent time walking and having conversations at in Harmonie’s gardens and it was just amazing to feel that we have so much in common, even though we are at such vastly different life stages and come from such diverse backgrounds.”

Be intentional

“Repentance and reconciliation are not once-offs. We need to be intentional about keeping reconciliation alive and keeping focus. God has made us bridge-builders,” Nqobile says.

Reconciliation is also close to the heart of God. “This is what Jesus came to do on earth – to restore our relationship with the Father, to get to know Him and to be one with Him. So too, we are called work towards healing relationships. It was never God’s heart for us to be separated from Him or from each other. Still, separation is something that’s so deeply engrained in our history in South Africa.”

According to Nqobile, the journey of healing starts with repentance, restitution and reconciliation – making things right. “For the longest time I, personally, wanted to see that things are made right. However, now I have a better understanding of how this is not just about apologising. It’s about inviting each other into our lives, sharing our stories, teaching one another about our traditions and values and learning from one another.”

Above all, the journey towards reconciliation is not possible without showing grace and love towards one another. “I truly believe that the Pilgrimage has brought us one step closer to bringing healing to our people and moving us forward as a country.”

BACKGROUND TO THE PILGRIMAGE OF GRACE

From 23 to 25 September 2022 a group of diverse individuals from South Africa and abroad participated in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace – a three-day journey towards repentance for past injustices in the Genadendal community, against the Moravian Church and in South Africa as a whole, along with reconciliation, restoration and prayer. The Pilgrimage formed part of prayer initiatives and actions from various groups across South Africa over the past few decades that centred on Jesus’ prayer in John 17: 20b – 22 (NIV): “I pray that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us.”

The Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace was organised by the South African Christian Leadership Initiative (SACLI Reconcile) and supported by Global Voice of Prayer, in Harmonie, the Moravian Church of South Africa, the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa and various other ministries, denominations and individuals. The three-day Pilgrimage included:

23 September: A service at the Dutch Reformed Church Groote Kerk in Cape Town

24 September: A public event at the Moravian Church in Genadendal with a focus on repentance

25 September: A prayer gathering at the Southernmost Tip of Africa (l’Agulhas) for healing of the African continent. This also kicked off a 54 days of Prayer for Africa movement.

Read more here

Pilgrimage of Grace reflection: Bishop Augustine & Lettice Joemath

“If we want to work towards uniting God’s people, we must pass His love and grace to all – including those who have wronged us,” says Lettice Joemath as she and her husband, Bishop Augustine, reflect on their participation in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace, a three-day journey towards repentance, reconciliation, restoration and prayer in the Genadendal community, the Moravian Church and South Africa as a whole.

Thinking back on what was her first ever pilgrimage, Lettice realised that God has a plan for every person and wants unity among His people. “It added spiritual value to my faith. I felt His presence telling me, us, to persist in prayer and thanksgiving. This Pilgrimage of Grace was the result of praying in one accord as an amazing family, created in His image. Praying together with people coming from around the world felt like belonging, accepting, forgiving and reconciling.”

“The presence of the Holy Spirit was so real. When we saw the dove flying around at special moments during the Genadendal church service, it was a real confirmation of the presence of God,” Augustine says.

A highlight for Lettice was the fact that Oude Lena was acknowledged as the first evangelist in the history of the church, and that, together with Wilhelmina Stompjes, their spiritual legacy will now have a special place in Genadendal as a great inspiration to other women.

The journey has given the Joemaths a fuller understanding of Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17. “We don’t need to doubt or fear. God is in control. In the past people have been frustrated about the unity that God has created and worked towards breaking it down. However, we have to hold hands and stand by God to let his Kingdom come all over the world,” Lettice says.

God’s love should be our message to the world, says Augustine. “If we want to work towards uniting God’s people, we must pass His love and grace to all – including those who have wronged us. Christ taught us to forgive as He has forgiven those who have nailed Him to the cross. Where Christ is, there is no darkness. His light must shine through us into the world. We must also forgive ourselves to be able to reconcile.”

Although there are still many other walls that need to be broken down towards achieving unity, it is possible to work together across whatever barriers there may be. “The Pilgrimage is evident of this. The reconciliation and relationships that flowed from the Pilgrimage was a true miracle and we should have faith and trust God to continue making these miracles possible through us. To Him be all the glory!” Lettice says.

BACKGROUND TO THE PILGRIMAGE OF GRACE

From 23 to 25 September 2022 a group of diverse individuals from South Africa and abroad participated in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace – a three-day journey towards repentance for past injustices in the Genadendal community, against the Moravian Church and in South Africa as a whole, along with reconciliation, restoration and prayer. The Pilgrimage formed part of prayer initiatives and actions from various groups across South Africa over the past few decades that centred on Jesus’ prayer in John 17: 20b – 22 (NIV): “I pray that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us.”

The Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace was organised by the South African Christian Leadership Initiative (SACLI Reconcile) and supported by Global Voice of Prayer, in Harmonie, the Moravian Church of South Africa, the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa and various other ministries, denominations and individuals. The three-day Pilgrimage included:

23 September: A service at the Dutch Reformed Church Groote Kerk in Cape Town

24 September: A public event at the Moravian Church in Genadendal with a focus on repentance

25 September: A prayer gathering at the Southernmost Tip of Africa (l’Agulhas) for healing of the African continent. This also kicked off a 54 days of Prayer for Africa movement.

Read more here

Reflection on the Pilgrimage of Grace: Pieter & Lynette Bezuidenhout

“Reconciliation helps us to move from being prisoners of the past to people who have hope, vision and plans,” says Chaplain Pieter Bezuidenhout as he reflects on his participation in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace, a three-day journey towards repentance, reconciliation, restoration and prayer in the Genadendal community, the Moravian Church and South Africa as a whole.

The Pilgrimage was a life-changing experience for Pieter and his wife, Lynette. “We still treasure the holy and precious moments. It was deeply personal and emotional to be part of the Pilgrimage, but also liberating especially after the intense Soweto initiative I was involved with in 2016 and my further research.”

At the very start of the Pilgrimage, meeting the pilgrims at the Moravian church in District Six, Pieter realised that this was God-given. “People from so many diverse backgrounds and places gathered with one vision: To seek God with a burning desire for healing and reconciliation of the pain and injustices of the past. We forged very special friendships and relationships over the three days.”

A highlight for Pieter and Lynette was the Saturday service at Genadendal. “To confess on behalf of a people and church, carrying the burden, like Nelis Janse van Rensburg (of the Dutch Reformed Church) himself said, must have been very difficult. The result, however, was breaking a yoke dating decades back. It was a relief, catharsis, victory, release and healing.”

Another highlight was the gathering at Cape Agulhas on the third day, which included confessions, repentance and praying for the continent. The prayer from the Phil Anderson of the UK was especially touching and emotional. He understood the absolute atrocities committed by his people through colonialism, slavery and imperialism. I believe it was a huge catharsis for himself and others, as he said that he had found his new identity in Christ, with fellow believers no matter their origins.”

On a personal level, Pieter found the time of reflection, singing and prayer at In Harmonie and Volmoed very enriching.

Deep change and revival

“What happened during the Pilgrimage has the potential to bring deep change and revival. Why? In deep humbleness and brokenness realising our own utter lostness and sinfulness before God and each other render the opportunity for God to fill us with His Spirit, clean and redeem us. Emptying us from ourselves, and our prideful self-righteousness, makes it possible for God to take His place in our lives. Before that, our own arguments, rationalisations, blame shifting, arrogance, pride and self-righteousness are on the throne. When confessed and sacrificed it opens the heart and mind for the Triune God to reign and rule in our lives, families, societies and country.”

The pilgrims who participated have been irrevocably changed, touched and transformed, and Pieter believes that their testimony about what happened during the Pilgrimage will spread a message of hope, strengthen faith and give honour to God. The 54 Days of Prayer for Africa that was initiated on the third day also helped keep the memory alive of what transpired during the Pilgrimage and spread the message further.

No alternative

“There is no alternative to Biblical Reconciliation. It is a Biblical imperative. Reconciliation helps us to move from being prisoners of the past to people who have hope, vision and plans. Else hatred, revenge, blame shifting, hopelessness, injustices will burden us forever.”

For Pieter and Lynette the Pilgrimage was a step of faith, obedience and trust in the Word – and the result so great for those involved and possibly generations to come. “We experienced freedom, relief, joy, peace and gratefulness to be part of such a profound journey.”

BACKGROUND TO THE PILGRIMAGE OF GRACE

From 23 to 25 September 2022 a group of diverse individuals from South Africa and abroad participated in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace – a three-day journey towards repentance for past injustices in the Genadendal community, against the Moravian Church and in South Africa as a whole, along with reconciliation, restoration and prayer. The Pilgrimage formed part of prayer initiatives and actions from various groups across South Africa over the past few decades that centred on Jesus’ prayer in John 17: 20b – 22 (NIV): “I pray that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us.”

The Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace was organised by the South African Christian Leadership Initiative (SACLI Reconcile) and supported by Global Voice of Prayer, in Harmonie, the Moravian Church of South Africa, the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa and various other ministries, denominations and individuals. The three-day Pilgrimage included:

23 September: A service at the Dutch Reformed Church Groote Kerk in Cape Town

24 September: A public event at the Moravian Church in Genadendal with a focus on repentance

25 September: A prayer gathering at the Southernmost Tip of Africa (l’Agulhas) for healing of the African continent. This also kicked off a 54 days of Prayer for Africa movement.

Read more here

^{Reflection on the Pilgrimage of Grace: Khumo Ntlha}

“South Africa and the world depend on us as Christ-followers to demonstrate unity in the church and community. The Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace intensified my resolve to intentionally work on reconciliation,” says Khumo Ntlha as she reflects on three-day journey towards repentance, reconciliation, restoration and prayer in the Genadendal community, the Moravian Church and South Africa as a whole.

For Khumo, the Pilgrimage started with an invitation to visit Anneke Rabe, co-organiser of the Pilgrimage of Grace, in Mkhondo a few years ago. “It was during an event where Anneke washed my feet and asked for forgiveness on behalf of white people for the sin of apartheid and racism, that the wall around my heart was broken. It was a very humbling and profound moment for me. I was confronted by my own arrogance in thinking that I had done enough reconciliation in the past.”

She felt justified to ignore the prayer by Jesus in John 17 for the church to be one. “In my experience white people were really not interested in reconciliation. For years I watched my husband Rev Moss Ntlha patiently working with white people on reconciliation and concluded that it was his calling, not mine. My own repentance culminated in my acceptance of the invitation to be on Pilgrimage with an amazing team of Christ-followers.”

Being a pilgrim on the journey was both exciting and challenging. “The amount of work that went into it left me feeling that I may be in the wrong job. For the first time I wished that I was in full-time ministry, since my day job was not allowing me to participate at the level that I wanted to. My heart was 100% in the process and whenever I could join in on the meetings and prayer, I found it meaningful and empowering.”

Khumo says the vulnerability of the group towards one another was a sign of hope and a source of encouragement. “The experience gave me hope again, that there are like minded people who do take Jesus seriously enough to work together outside our comfort zones. The process was also highly educational. So much history in a short space of time. Reconnecting with friends we had not seen for a long time was priceless.”

“I am truly grateful for the generosity of spirit and availability of fellow pilgrims. The whole pilgrimage was managed with gentleness and honesty, and along the way people really cared for one another while getting the job done.

Prayer was central to the Pilgrimage of Grace and the results were therefore not surprising. “Praying at Cape Agulhas with Africa as our focus has intensified my yearning for Africa to be truly free from bondage and despair.”

BACKGROUND TO THE PILGRIMAGE OF GRACE

From 23 to 25 September 2022 a group of diverse individuals from South Africa and abroad participated in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace – a three-day journey towards repentance for past injustices in the Genadendal community, against the Moravian Church and in South Africa as a whole, along with reconciliation, restoration and prayer. The Pilgrimage formed part of prayer initiatives and actions from various groups across South Africa over the past few decades that centred on Jesus’ prayer in John 17: 20b – 22 (NIV): “I pray that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us.”

The Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace was organised by the South African Christian Leadership Initiative (SACLI Reconcile) and supported by Global Voice of Prayer, in Harmonie, the Moravian Church of South Africa, the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa and various other ministries, denominations and individuals. The three-day Pilgrimage included:

23 September: A service at the Dutch Reformed Church Groote Kerk in Cape Town

24 September: A public event at the Moravian Church in Genadendal with a focus on repentance

25 September: A prayer gathering at the Southernmost Tip of Africa (l’Agulhas) for healing of the African continent. This also kicked off a 54 days of Prayer for Africa movement.

Read more here

A true South African and African story of God’s extravagant grace.

From 23 to 25 September 2022 a miracle happened: The Moravian Church reconciled with the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa during a three-day Pilgrimage of Grace. This is the documentary of the journey that led to this historic moment.

May the Church keep on answering the call to The Unity Jesus prayed for in John 17.

May the followers of Christ be the ones that change the narrative in South Africa and Africa.

May we together journey from our broken past into His grace and healing. May those who still cause pain change their ways and leave their hatred and racism at the foot of the cross.

May there be more deep repentance and restoration. May we love one another in such a way that the world will know we are His diciples! To Him be the glory!

Herewith the Pilgrimage of Grace that preceded the 54 days of Prayer for the continent of Africa!

^{Reflection on the Pilgrimage of Grace: Rev Moss Ntlha}

“Reconciliation is a profoundly spiritual process. Jesus is the only credible answer to the problems we find in our society,” says Rev Moss Ntlha, general secretary of the Evangelical Alliance of South Africa (TEASA) as he reflects on his participation in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace, a three-day journey towards repentance, reconciliation, restoration and prayer in the Genadendal community, the Moravian Church and South Africa as a whole.

“Being part of the Pilgrimage of Grace was a powerful spiritual moment for me. To see long-held tensions dissolve in the light of a genuine desire to be obedient to God’s call to reconciliation was a wonder to behold. This could only happen as a result of months of prayer for the pilgrimage.”

For Rev Moss, the Pilgrimage symbolised an important milestone in Christian obedience. “It saddens me that it took hundreds of years to right the wrong that happened so many years ago against the Moravian missionaries and their work in South Africa. So sad that human agency – or lack of it – can stall the purposes of God for generations.”

The Pilgrimage has set the wheels in motion to bring about lasting change in the individuals and communities involved, and practical steps have already been taken to continue the journey of relational healing and mission collaboration between the Dutch Reformed Church and the Moravians.

“Reconciliation is a profoundly spiritual process, and the only way to exorcise the demons of racism and prejudice from our society. It is for this reason that Jesus is the only credible answer, par excellence, to the problem of social alienation, gender-based violence, ethnic chauvinism, corruption and such pathologies as we find in our society. Legal and political instruments are not enough.”

One of Rev Moss’s highlights was the launch of the 54 Days of Prayer for Africa on the last day of the Pilgrimage at Cape Agulhas. “This massive prayer mobilisation is aimed at igniting similar processes of reconciliation and healing across the African continent that is known for its gaping wounds.”

BACKGROUND TO THE PILGRIMAGE OF GRACE

From 23 to 25 September 2022 a group of diverse individuals from South Africa and abroad participated in the Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace – a three-day journey towards repentance for past injustices in the Genadendal community, against the Moravian Church and in South Africa as a whole, along with reconciliation, restoration and prayer. The Pilgrimage formed part of prayer initiatives and actions from various groups across South Africa over the past few decades that centred on Jesus’ prayer in John 17: 20b – 22 (NIV): “I pray that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us.”

The Genadendal Pilgrimage of Grace was organised by the South African Christian Leadership Initiative (SACLI Reconcile) and supported by Global Voice of Prayer, in Harmonie, the Moravian Church of South Africa, the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa and various other ministries, denominations and individuals. The three-day Pilgrimage included:

23 September: A service at the Dutch Reformed Church Groote Kerk in Cape Town

24 September: A public event at the Moravian Church in Genadendal with a focus on repentance

25 September: A prayer gathering at the Southernmost Tip of Africa (l’Agulhas) for healing of the African continent. This also kicked off a 54 days of Prayer for Africa movement.

Read more here