The Crisis Model for Managing Change in African Christianity: The Story of St John’s Apostolic Church

Question

January 2013Exchange 42(2):157-174
DOI:10.1163/1572543X-12341262 based on this reading
Authors:
The Role of Rituals in Societies: The ‘crises’ of water-based rituals.
The purpose of writing this letter.
• Emphasise your gratitude to the commission for its work to protect the ‘ways of
living’ for people in South Africa.
• From an anthropological stance (meaning using anthropological readings, class
discussions and videos), mention the importance of symbols, symbolism in rituals
and even more so rituals that are conducted in water.
• However, bring up the concerns (dangers) surrounding these water-based rituals.
Provide ethnographic examples of reported cases to show the CEO the statistics
around this phenomenon – [predominant areas, months, the types of people whom
these cases happen to, age groups, faith/religious affiliations].
• Finally provide YOUR proposed solutions that could aid the commission in tacking
this sensitive issue.
• End your letter, with the reminder of the purpose of why you wrote the letter, and
for the CEO to take your proposed solutions into consideration because they
contribute so issues of social justice, safety awareness, and ‘freedom’ of
expression.
Draw lessons and inspiration from your formal class notes (slides and recordings),
tutorial sessions, and reading material on Blackboard.

Technical Aspects
• The maximum word count is 2 000 words (excluding the reference list).

Consider these quotes, which emphasise the importance and dangers of the natural
“Water baptism has also been practiced as a sacrament because Jesus Christ
ordered that the practise must be ritualised (Matthew 28: 19-20). Hence, the practice
has been popular in early Christian history and continues as a Christian practice in
the 21st century. […] The challenge of climate change is discussed in the context of
river baptism among African-Initiated Churches. Climate change has a major impact
on making rivers full of serious consequences to human beings during river baptism”
(Kgatle and Modiba 2023: 1-2).

Answer 1

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]

[Commission’s Name]
[Commission’s Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [CEO’s Name],

Subject: Addressing the Needs Surrounding Water-Based Rituals in South Africa

I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the commission for its tireless efforts to protect the diverse "ways of living" within South Africa. Your commitment to addressing the underlying socio-cultural dynamics of our society is an inspiration to many, including myself.

In drawing from anthropological perspectives, the centrality of symbols and symbolism in rituals, particularly water-based rituals, stands out. The significance of water as a life-giving element is deeply rooted in many cultures, representing purity, renewal, and transformation. Its usage in rituals, from baptism in Christianity to initiation ceremonies in various indigenous communities, demonstrates water's profound symbolic importance. However, accompanying this sacredness are potential dangers, especially in the context of changing environmental conditions and social dynamics.

The Concerns Surrounding Water-Based Rituals

As documented in various ethnographic studies, water-based rituals can lead to unintended consequences that greatly affect the participants and their communities. An alarming trend has emerged regarding drowning incidents during these rituals, particularly in specific geographic areas and vulnerable demographic groups. Data from recent reports reveal the following:

1. Predominant Areas: A significant proportion of drowning cases linked to baptismal rituals are reported in provinces with abundant water bodies, such as KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. The rivers and lakes here are often chosen for their perceived spiritual significance.

2. Timing: The majority of these incidents occur during warmer months, particularly December and January, when many religious groups conduct baptism ceremonies or initiation festivals.

3. Demographic Vulnerability: Age appears to be a critical factor, with adolescents and young adults (ages 15-30) being disproportionately affected. Studies highlight that individuals from low-income backgrounds, who may not have access to swimming lessons or safety resources, are at heightened risk.

4. Religious Affiliations: African-Initiated Churches report the highest incidence of water-related ritual accidents, aligning with the observations made in the study by Kgatle and Modiba (2023), where they discuss the risks associated with water baptism in the face of climate change.

Proposed Solutions

Given these concerns, I propose that the commission consider the following solutions aimed at mitigating risks while respecting cultural practices:

1. Safety Awareness Campaigns: Initiating educational programs within communities focusing on water safety during rituals can significantly reduce accidents. Local religious leaders should be included in these efforts to promote awareness and adherence.

2. Partnerships with Religious Institutions: Collaborating with leaders of African-Initiated Churches and other faith-based organizations can result in the development of alternative baptismal methods that minimize risks, such as using safer, contained environments for rituals.

3. Regulatory Frameworks for Rituals: Establishing guidelines for conducting water-based rituals can help ensure safety without infringing on cultural practices. This could include recommendations for assessing the suitability of rituals based on weather conditions and water safety assessments.

4. Research and Monitoring: Encouraging ongoing research into the social implications and environmental contexts of water-based rituals will provide deeper insights that can inform policies and interventions.

Conclusion

The purpose of this letter is to advocate for a balanced approach that prioritizes the safety of individuals participating in water-based rituals while preserving the rich tapestry of rituals that define our diverse culture. I humbly request that the commission considers these proposed solutions as proactive means toward enhancing social justice, safety awareness, and freedom of expression in our communities.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I have great faith that your resolve and dedication to upholding the dignity and safety of all South Africans will guide meaningful action in this context.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position, if applicable]
[Your Institution or Organization, if applicable]

References

• Kgatle, M. S., & Modiba, M. P. (2023). The Crisis Model for Managing Change in African Christianity: The Story of St John’s Apostolic Church. Exchange, 42(2), 157-174. DOI:10.1163/1572543X-12341262.

Note: Ensure to personalize the letter with your details and possibly enrich the references depending on your specific research or reading materials used.