UKZN Hosts Professor Steve de Gruchy Memorial Lecture

BY: .

Click here for the isiZulu version

The School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics (SRPC)), in collaboration with the Cluster of Theological Institutions and United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) hosted the annual Professor Steve de Gruchy Memorial Lecture that honours the late UKZN staff member.

De Gruchy was one of UKZN’s outstanding academics and a globally celebrated theologian. He founded the Theology and Development Programme at UKZN and served as the Head of the SRPC. De Gruchy’s commitment to issues of justice and liberation were evident in his involvement in the Students’ Union for Christian Action and his stance as a conscientious objector in the 1980s. He served as a youth pastor at Rondebosch Congregational Church and as an ordained minister in the Athlone UCCSA.

Professor Simangaliso Kumalo, acting Dean of the SRPC, welcomed guests to the event, noting that congregationalism was introduced to the School by de Gruchy and that his legacy will live on.

‘He made a huge contribution in the community with his great work ethic. It was Steve de Gruchy who facilitated the signing of the MOU with UCCSA to establish the UCCSA House of Studies on the Pietermaritzburg campus that enables UCCSA students to study at UKZN. He also opened doors for UCCSA scholars to be seconded by the church to serve as researchers and teachers at the University, fully paid by the church,’ he added.

The lecture was delivered by Professor Edgardo Colón-Emeric, the Dean of Duke Divinity School, Irene and William McCutchen Professor of Reconciliation and Theology, and Director of the Centre for Reconciliation. ‘De Gruchy was an ecumenist who wrote about the work of Joseph Wing, commonly known as Mr Unity. He emphasised that unity, ecumenical movements and non-racialism are part of God’s mission,’ he said.

Colón-Emeric focused on the need for faith communities to work collaboratively for the liberation of marginalised members of society. He drew examples from the work, life and sacrifices made by Oscar Romero, the Archbishop of San Salvador who fought for justice for the oppressed, and highlighted the need for theological education rooted in the radical ecumenical tradition to produce church leaders who will work for the liberation and development of the poor and oppressed. He added that, while unity is the goal of the ecumenical movement, it is not always the goal of the Church. This needs to change if the Church’s mission in the world is to be credible.

Thanking everyone involved in the event, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Humanities, Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize said, ‘We are honoured to host the Professor de Gruchy lecture and are very proud of his legacy.’

The Professor Steve de Gruchy Memorial Lecture can be viewed here.

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photograph: Supplied