Change agency and urban vulnerability : theological-ecclesial paralysis or deep solidarity
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Date
Authors
De Beer, Stephanus Francois
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS
Abstract
Globally, cities respond differently to their most vulnerable urban populations, notably so
during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In the City of Tshwane, there
seems to be a general paralysis of the church and theological education in relation to urban
vulnerability. If the church and theological education are to participate as change agents to
help transform urban vulnerability, a deliberate theological praxis and deep urban diaconate –
in solidarity with the city’s most vulnerable realities – are proposed. This is done with reference
to Harvey Cox’s assertion that the task of the church in the city is that of Diakonos and the
provocations of Philippino liberation theologian, Daniel Pilario.
CONTRIBUTION : This article proposes that urban vulnerability and various responses to it need
to be reflected upon as a priority, much more deliberately, considering how the entire urban
household (oikos) is at risk.
Description
Special Collection: Being a Change Agent in a (Post-) Covid South Africa, sub-edited by Erna Oliver (University of South Africa).
Keywords
Urban vulnerability, Urban diaconate, Theological praxis, Theological education, Change agency, Ecclesial liberation, Theological liberation, COVID-19 pandemic, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
De Beer, S., 2021, ‘Change
agency and urban
vulnerability: Theological-ecclesial
paralysis or deep
solidarity’, HTS Teologiese
Studies/Theological Studies
77(3), a6548. https://DOI.org/10.4102/hts.v77i3.6548.