Mission Policy Challenges of the Presbyterian Church of South Africa, with Reference to the New Brighton Mission Church (1897–1962)

Early in the life of settler/colonial Presbyterianism in South Africa (PCSA), congregations embarked on missions to indigenous local peoples. This was done under the supervision of White sponsoring congregations. A considerable period elapsed before any thought was given to the autonomy of these missions, and even longer before autonomy was granted. This article investigates the process and journey towards self-government in African congregations within Presbyterian polity, taking account of the racial and other issues involved—including power and control over Black people who found that the church was virtually the only place where they could exercise any freedom of action. The New Brighton Mission Church is an example of the problems which arose out of the lack of a clear policy.