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CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES and the CHURCH: the CHURCH's ROLE AS an AGENT of SOCIAL CHANGE in the Polmcal CONFLICT in SOUTH AFRICA

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CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES and the CHURCH: the CHURCH's ROLE AS an AGENT of SOCIAL CHANGE in the Polmcal CONFLICT in SOUTH AFRICA CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES AND THE CHURCH: THE CHURCH'S ROLE AS AN AGENT OF SOCIAL CHANGE IN THE POLmCAL CONFLICT IN SOUTH AFRICA by THOMAS FRANK CUNNINGHAM submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY in the subject PRACTICAL THEOLOGY at the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA PROMOTER: PROF.HJ C PIETERSE NOVEMBER 1996 I ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A doctoral thesis by definition is the work of one person. But effectively only those with rare talent are able to do without the support of others. It is therefore with sincere gratitude that I acknowledge the encouragement of several persons who in no small way enabled me to complete the work. First I would like to express my appreciation to Professor Brian Gaybba who read the first draft and made meticulous comments which proved to be an invaluable start. Then to Professor Rennie Pieterse, who as promoter, was an admirable guide and stimulator. Secondly, my thanks to Dr. Dudley Weeks, conflict resolution specialist, who kept inspiring and prodding me when energy and spirit waned. Our discussions during his visits to South Africa were always memorable. Finally and most important is my appreciation of my family who suffered with me when the long haul took its toll and celebrated with me when I experienced flashes of inspiration. Trish, my wife who shared intimately with the project, was a source of energy and inspiration when needed, and also a calming influence when the pressure was on. Anwen, my eldest daughter, was in many ways a fellow-traveller. Her experience in conflict resolution and her keen interest in the project made it so much more worthwhile. Trevlyn, our youngest daughter, was always supportive of the journey. She encouraged me to rest from the labour and have much needed family retreats! Roger, our son-in-law, a more recent journeyer provided companionship along the way and was a lively source for theological insights. II ABSTRACT This dissertation investigates the problem of significance conflict resolution as a meaningful ministry of the Church in ecclesial, social and political conflict. Recognising the fact that conflict has been an experience of humankind since the beginning of time the research focuses on the Church's role in socio-political conflict during the years of the National Party rule in South Africa. A number of theological and practical questions arise from the problem of conflict and its resolution in relation to the Church. The question is raised: does conflict resolution as a concept and strategy have a credible theological content. In order to explore this problem the dissertation first develops a theology of conflict. The theology of conflict forms the basis for a theology of conflict resolution. The thesis is that conflict, inherent in all human experience, is not good or evil. Rather it has the potential for destruction and transformation. It is the transformatory possibility that needs to be promoted. The thesis examines conflict resolution strategies of leading theorists and practitioners and tests them as viable approaches to be adopted by the Church. However it finds that conflict resolution will be accepted as a role of the Church if it can be formulated in convincing theological principles. An analysis of reconciliation and conflict resolution focuses on the way reconciliation is perceived in the political context. It then probes the theological relationship between reconciliation and conflict resolution. Reconciliation is more than conflict resolution. The scope of reconciliation includes (a) the initiative of God, (b) addressing the predicament of alienation, brokenness and distress ( c) through the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ the Mediator (d) who reconciles the universe to God. Ill However, conflict resolution has an indispensable role in the reconciliation process. Through the ministry of conflict resolution the Church facilitates confrontation between individuals or groups and contributes towards transformation in relationships where there is conflict. The thesis then probes the possibilities for conflict resolution to be an integral part of of on-going pastoral ministry in the belief that pro-active conflict resolution is a source of social and ecclesial transformation. KEYWORDS: Church; Conflict Resolution; Social Change; Political Conflict; Reconciliation; Mediation; Role of the Church; Theological Investigation; Negotiating an agreement; Christian Community. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION The Problem VII The Goal viii The Method ix Development of the Thesis IX PART 1 TOWARDS A THEOLOGY OF CONFLICT l. The Na tu re of Conflict 2 1.1. Defining the Scope of Conflict 4 1.2. Conflict: Abnormal or Normal ? 4 1.3. Subjective and Objective Approaches to Conflict 6 1.4. Social Interaction JO l. 5. Levels oflnteraction 12 1.6. Conflict and Change 17 l. 7. Conclusion 18 2. Theological Perspectives of Conflict 20 2.1. Conflict and Sin 21 2.2. Knowledge of Good and Evil 24 2.3. The Principle of Love and Conflict 26 2.4. Psycho-Theological Perspectives 27 3. The Cross and Conflict 36 3. I. The Conflict Leading up to the Crucifixion 36 3.3. The Conflict from the Perspective of the Resurrection 41 3.4. Summary 42 4. Conflict in the Church 45 4 .1. The Church and the Kingdom of God 45 4.2. The Mission of the Church and Conflict 48 4.3. Conflict in the World is Reflected in the Church 49 4.4. The Structures of the Church and Conflict 50 4.5. Theology and Act 52 4.6 Summary 53 v PART2 SOCIO-ECCLESIAL AND POLITICAL CONFLICT IN SOUTH AFRICA 5. The Case Study Method 55 6. The Bantu Education Act 1953 58 7. The Sharpeville Massacre 1960 67 8. The Soweto Riots 1976 78 9. The Tricameral Parliament 1983 90 10. Transition 1990- 99 PART3 THEORIES OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION 11. An Introduction to Terms 115 11.1. Competing for Advantage 115 11.2. Negotiation 116 11.3. The Mediator/Facilitator 124 11.4. A Study of Specialists in Facilitation Processes 125 12. Basic Human Needs: John Burton 126 12.1. Deep-rooted Conflict 126 12.2. Characteristics of Deep-Rooted Conflict 126 12.3. A Theory of Conflict Resolution 128 12.4. The Nature and Form of Basic Human Needs 129 12.5. The Hierarchical Nature of Basic Human Needs 132 12.6. Dynamic vs. Static Approach 134 12.7. Human Needs and Development 134 12.8. Summary of the Nature of the Human Needs Discussion 135 12.9. The Facilitation of Conflict 136 13. Principled Negotiation: Roger Fisher 140 13.1. Rules of Thumb 140 13 .2. Building a Protection Plan 146 13 .3. The Principled Negotiation Process 148 13 .4. Diagnostic Checklist 150 13.5. Summary 151 14. ConOict Partnership: Dudley Weeks 153 14 .1. Foundational Principles 154 14.2. Supporting Principles 157 14.3. The Importance of Process 157 14. 4. Eight Essential Skills 157 14.5. Summary 164 VI PART4 CONFLICT RESOLUTION AS A THEOLOGICAL OPTION AND A MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH 15 ConDict Resolution as a Theological Option 167 16. A Theology of Mediation 171 17. ConDict Resolution and Reconciliation 179 17 .1. Resolution and Settlement 179 17 .2. Resolution and Reconciliation 182 17.3. Summary 201 17.4. Resolution and Reconstruction 202 17.5. Conclusion 208 18. The Role of the Church in ConDict Resolution 210 18.1. The Church as a Neutral Party 211 18.2. The Church Taking Sides in Political Conflict 216 18.3. The Church as Mediator in Political Conflict 225 18.4. Conclusion 232 19. The Pastoral Ministry and ConDict Resolution 234 19 .1. Theological Priorities for Conflict Resolution 235 19.2. Pro-active Conflict Resolution in the Church 244 19.3. Conflict Resolution and Pastoral Ministry 248 20. Conclusion 256 20. 1. Conflict as Life Experience 256 20.2. Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation 257 20.3. Theology of Reconstruction 258 20.4. Conflict Resolution and the Ministry of the Church 259 20.5. Conflict Resolution Models 259 20.6. Role of Church as Mediator 260 20. 7. Beyond the Boundaries of this Research 260 20. 8. Pro-active Conflict Resolution 261 20.9. Method ofResearch 262 Bibliography 263 vii INTRODUCTION The widespread conflict between different political groups in South Africa, particularly during the 1980s' provides, broadly, the context for this research. At the same time the Church finds itself in the midst of the crisis of conflict. During the period of South Africa's apartheid policy the churches were as divided as were their members. Although the first democratic general elections saw the inauguration of a new government and since then the birth of a new nation conflict has not been eliminated. Conflict is not simply a political phenomenon. It occurs in all human relations. Political conflict magnifies inter-personal, social and ecclesial conflicts. On the one level conflict resolution is aimed at solving problems particularly where conflict is involved. However, it needs to do more than that - it needs a process that will enable individuals and groups to develop deeper understandings of one another and of one anothers aspirations. THE PROBLEM This dissertation questions whether conflict resolution can be taken seriously as a ministry of the Church in ecclesial, social and political conflict. This question raises the problem of the role of the Church in social and political conflict. Recognising that conflict has been an experience of humankind since the beginning of time this research focuses on the Church's role in soci-political conflict during the years of the National Party rule in South Africa. A number of theological and practical questions arise from the problem presented above. The most crucial question is that of the relationship between conflict Introduction VIII resolution and reconciliation. This debate raises the question whether conflict resolution as a concept lacks theological content.
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