“Just city-making” in Cape Town : liberating theological education

Abstract

Aspirational terms such as world-class, resilient, climate-friendly and just City stand in contrast to adverse terms such as unequal, divided, colonial, violent, and segregated to describe the present and future state of the City of Cape Town. How do institutions offering tertiary qualifications in theology engage with the competing narratives of the City in the preparation of faith-based practitioners? This article aims to explore the current landscape of theological education offered in higher education institutions in Cape Town, in terms of an urban focus. The article will reflect on how curricula, pedagogies, and epistemologies engage the complexities of the urban context. The connection between theological education and ministry formation of faith-based practitioners will be explored in light of Cape Town’s urban futures.