Abstract:
Racism continues to divide, separate, oppress and hurt—as was seen by recent
global events. The church, because of the very nature of the Gospel of Christ, is
called to bring unity, reconciliation, justice, healing and peace. The current
crisis and threat of racism call for a time of new opportunity and new
resurrections, forged from resistances that breathe a new life, of which the
Belhar Confession can be a beacon of light. This article focuses on how the
theological framework of Mary-Anne Elizabeth Plaatjies-Van Huffel and the
Belhar Confession provide a historic opportunity to stand in solidarity with the
voices of those who are suffocating (“can’t breathe”). It is an emphatic call for
the church to denounce and address all forms of racism and injustice.
