Unequal Spaces: Whose Land is it Anyway?
The topic of land in South Africa is likely the most contentious political issue of our day. There are loud arguments made from all sides of the political spectrum and it has proven to be divisive – inside and outside the church. If you own property or land, you may have explored this topic and feel immobilised. Perhaps you fear engaging with this issue, being uncertain of what the cost will be. Or you have made up your mind already. Our hope for this resource is that Christ-followers discover ways in which they can connect their faith to this big issue.
We trust that as you listen to stories, have your own conversations, read creative ideas of how to redeem land, you start to answer: What do I do with what land/property I have? How would King Jesus have me use what he has entrusted to me. We are not presenting prescriptive, legalistic answers, but rather a range of resources intended to help you grapple, discern and start or continue a journey towards utilizing what you have for the benefit of others. Journey with us as we seek to honour Jesus with what we have, in the context in which he has placed us.
LAND, THE BIBLE AND OUR HEARTS
A biblical response to the issue of land and how this shapes the way that we engage with this topic.
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EXAMPLES FROM COMMON GROUNDERS
Read how people who share the pews with you are responding to Christ in all kinds of places and ways.
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LIFE GROUP GUIDE
Take some time to grapple together- you can expect to listen to stories, have your own conversations, read creative ideas of how to redeem land and start to answer:
What do I do with what land/property I have?
How would King Jesus have me use what he has entrusted to me
Get started with your life group or bible study >
P O D C A S T S
This podcast series is all about us getting a better understanding of the lived reality of people in Cape Town and their experience of land and space. So many times, the topic of land can be spoken about at a head level, quoting facts and statistics. Other times, it is so emotive that people switch off when engaging. So we want to listen to people’s stories to help us understand the heart of the matter from people who have first hand experience of this.
Brandon Weber
Richard chats to Brandon, an elder in our Bosch AM congregation, about growing up in the Cape, buying a home in Plumstead and ministering on the ‘Edge’.
Charnay Kleinsmith
Richard chats to Charnay, a deacon in our Bosch AM congregation, about growing up in the Cape, how she’s investigating her family and the spaces they have lived.
Luxolo Kentane
Richard chats to Lux, from Living Legacy Movement, about neighbourhood watch groups and his experience when police were alerted as he waited in his car for a friend.
Colin Davids
Richard chats to Colin, an elder in our C’berg congregation, about land that was taken from his family, the community of Grassy Park and his prayers for land that his congregation can meet on.
Grant Porthen
Richard chats to Grant, a friend from Jubilee Community Church and The Eden Project, about the suburb of Salt River, rapid gentrification and the community he loves.
E X P L O R E
LET'S TALK ABOUT LAND
In May 2018, the Common Ground Rondebosch AM congregation hosted an insights evening on the topic of land. They invited in a range of speakers to guide, inform and spark discussion. These four videos capture the heart of the evening and will help you grapple with land and what can be done for the future of South Africa. Featuring Dr Sharlene Swartz, Professor Ruth Hall and Pastor Brian Koela.
Watch videos >
SEEING UNEQUAL SPACES
Our city and country is divided, Jonny Miller’s photographs capture it in startling detail. See this division from the sky with reflection questions for you to process in your own time.
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JULLE MENSE (YOU PEOPLE) PODCASTS ON LAND
From our friends at Isiphambano Centre for Biblical Justice, selected podcasts on the topic of Land and Space.
