HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies ISSN: (Online) 2072-8050, (Print) 0259-9422 Page 1 of 7 Original Research Demographic change: Ecological and polycentric challenges for white Christianity in urban South Africa Author: This article demonstrates how white Christianity in urban South Africa is fated by demographic 1 Kelebogile T. Resane change. The repeal of apartheid in 1994 enacted some sociocultural changes in urban South Affiliation Africa. The white population exited the city and town centres, followed by the black South 1Department of Historical Africans. The historical relationship of the government under the National Party (NP) and the and Constructive Theology, Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) led to latters’ redundancy in the cities. The cultural development Faculty of Theology and towards multiculturalism led to polycentric focus where the suburban peripheries and the city Religion, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, centres experience some form of socio- and cultural-economic developments. Two proposals South Africa are made to redress the situation. Firstly, a rethinking was suggested of the theology of the city, which should always demonstrate solidarity with the poor and the marginalised trapped Corresponding author: within the decadent city culture. Secondly, a missiological refocus was suggested, which should Kelebogile Resane,
[email protected] pursue, embrace and include activities that are not paternalistic. Dates: Keywords: Church; City; Culture; Challenge; Theology; Missional. Received: 14 Sept. 2018 Accepted: 10 Nov. 2018 Published: 16 May 2019 Introduction How to cite this article: South Africa’s religious affiliation and convictions are complicated by a difficult historical Resane, K.T., 2019, relationship between the church and the state.