Abstract:
When we contemplate ecumenism in South Africa in the twentieth century, we often
automatically think of the outstanding work of the South African Council of Churches during
the years of apartheid. However, it had two precursors in the General Missionary Conference
of South Africa (1904–36) and the Christian Council of South Africa (1936–68). Parallel yet
integral to these developments we note the significant contribution of the South African
Catholic Bishops‟ Conference. These did not originate or exist in a vacuum but responded to
the needs and currents in society and were active in the midst of para-movements such as the
Christian Institute.
