“The church is profoundly irresponsible as it disconnects itself from the realities on the ground.”

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Theology recently hosted a dialogue session with various religious leaders, representing different denominations, on the topic of “Contending Theologies, Liturgies and Practices: Death, Dying and Funerals in South Africa”.

“Research is formalised curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose,” said the American novelist Zora Neale Hurston. It is a sentiment that rings as true today as it did all those many decades ago. It is also a maxim that the Faculty of Theology at the North-West University (NWU) has embraced with a fervour.

The world is getting smaller and countries are more interconnected than ever before. Those unwilling to reach out will be left behind, but the Faculty of Theology at the North-West University has no intention of letting that happen.

It took a moment for Dr Fazel Freeks to comprehend what he was hearing. Aghast at first, the images that formed from the convict’s depiction about the deed that lead to his incarceration made him think about his family. Freeks thought of his youngest daughter as he listened to the candid, vivid description about the act this person did to a young, innocent other.

Religion can be one of the most powerful tools in bridging racial divides. This according to Prof Dr Nico Vorster from the Faculty of Theology and co-editor of the recently published book Togetherness in South Africa.

Kindness, love and compassion. These are but some of the words in faith’s vocabulary. These virtues convey the same message in any language and this is why the Faculty of Theology at the North-West University (NWU) is ensuring that this message is heard by all. 

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Theology recently held its annual dedication service in Mahikeng. It was led by Prof Daryl Balia, the new executive dean, who also recognised the faculty’s top performers for 2017 during the event.

A large number of South African children are living their lives without the presence of a father figure. The issue of absent fathers has been a major problem in the country for a number of years.

A staff member of the Faculty of Theology at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) was recently crowned as one of the title holders of Mrs Africa International.