De Beer, Stephanus FrancoisSmith, R.D. (Drew)Manyaka, Semape Jacob2018-08-162018-08-162017-11-27De Beer, S.F., Smith, R.D. & Manyaka, J., 2017, ‘Trans-disciplinary research on religious formations in urban Africa: Towards liberative methodological approaches’, HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 73(3), a4693. https://DOI.org/10.4102/hts.v73i3.4693.0259-9422 (print)2072-8050 (online)10.4102/hts.v73i3.4693http://hdl.handle.net/2263/66150The project is also a sub-theme of the ‘Faith in the City’ research project, hosted by the Centre for Contextual Ministry in the Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria.In this article, we are exploring a methodological approach to research on faith and religious expressions in urban Africa. We are committed to trans-disciplinary work that pursues research methods mutually liberating for researchers, co-researchers and community participants and that results in long-term benefits and strengthened agency on the part of the host communities. Our reflections in this article are based on a collaborative research project1 in two regions of Pretoria, Tshwane2 – Pretoria Central and Mamelodi East – in which we explore how religious innovation and competition in and amongst churches contribute to the healing or perpetuation of urban fractures.en© 2017. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.FaithUrban AfricaCommunitiesReligious expressionsUrban fracturesReligious innovationReligious competitionChurchesHealingPerpetuationTheology articles SDG-04SDG-04: Quality educationTheology articles SDG-05SDG-05: Gender equalityTheology articles SDG-10SDG-10: Reduced inequalitiesTheology article SDG-16SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutionsArticle