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.
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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.
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“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.
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“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.”
I believe that God has placed Moreletapark congregation within the DRC in order to facilitate the difference He wants. Exiting will not be according to His will.
Gods will is very clear as written in the Holy Bible. People can do what they like but they don’t need to call themselves the Church of Jesus Christ if anything goes. No. God has told us very clearly how to live and these pastors are my hero’s for standing up the “worldly” actions of the NG Kerk.
Each one of us answer to God and He is our judge we will not be able to on judgement day hide behind our church affiliation. Our beliefs are our responsiblity. Sounds like the congregation are blessed to have a very wise leader. One needs to take big decisions step by step in the right spirit not to cause unnecessary offence.
I believe the decision to split from the DRC is the way forward for Moreletapark – to choose God’s Word above secular ways can only be right for a Bible-believing congregation.
This news is incredible. A group of people standing for Gods word against man made attempts to bring in things into the Church that God has been very clear about. Hallelujah for people who stand for truth and are unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. May God give you wisdom as you navigate your exit from the NG that no longer follows the truth. As the days get darker we need to cling to Gods truth and have no compromise especially as leaders.
Praise God!!!amen to them!!we follow God and not structures!! We will keep u in our prayers
As an Outsider But a CHILD OF GOD!!! I ONLY PLEAD THAT IF THE SPLIT NEEDS TO HAPPEN, THAT IT IS DONE IN AN AMICABLE WAY & PART STILL ACCEPTING EACH OTHER AS BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST! I LOVE THE SAYING THAT IF AGREEMENT IS NOT ACHIEVED THEN “WE AGREE TO DIFFER!!!”