Christian Leaders (Theologians), Governance, and the Moral Dilemma of the ‘Rainbow Nation’

A Practical Theological Approach

Abstract

The African National Congress (ANC) has been the governing party of the ‘Rainbow Nation’ from the first democratic election held on 27 April 1994 to date. During the same period, different Christian leaders (theologians) played diverse roles and expressed their perspectives related to governance and the moral dilemma of the ‘Rainbow Nation’. Thus, the article explores distinct roles and perspectives of Christian leaders (theologians) related to governance and the moral dilemma in the ‘Rainbow Nation’ during the era of the past three presidents of the African National Congress, namely, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Gedleihlekisa Zuma, and the current presIdent of the ANC, Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa. It excludes Kgalema Motlantle as he was not an ANC president but only an interim president of the ‘Rainbow Nation’. The article uses a case study method to answer the question: How have theologians and Christian leaders played their roles and expressed their perspectives about of governance and the moral dilemma of the ‘Rainbow Nation’ in the period under review?