Abstract:
There are many reasons for studying General Church History: most of the large traditional churches in South Africa have their roots in the church reformation of the sixteenth century: to really understand the Afrikaans speaking churches one must have cognisance of developments in the Netherlands, France and Britain; in these so-called ecumenical times knowledge of the beginnings of the English speaking churches are also absolutely essential.
The necessity of studying church history is emphasized. Knowing the background of events leads to a better understanding and in the ecumenical discussions of today this is essential
