Story of the Church Pilgrimage

Exploring the historic role of the church as both agent of injustice and instrument of liberation and hope.

The Story of the Church pilgrimage explores the historic role of the church as both agent of injustice and instrument of liberation and hope. This approximately 6.5km walking pilgrimage through central Cape Town explores realities such as colonisation, slavery, the struggle for freedom, church-state alliance, and the legacy of missions.

The pilgrimage includes historical commentary, Scripture readings, and individual and communal reflections. A participant’s guide will be provided with bible readings and questions for reflection.

Our pilgrimage route comprises the following stops:

• The Castle of Good Hope: reflecting on the intertwined history of Christianity and Colonisation
• Church Square: exploring the legacy of the church and slavery.
• The House of Parliament: reflecting on the unholy of church and state for the creation of apartheid
• St George’s Cathedral: investigating the role of the church in the liberation struggle.
• Bo-Kapp: reflecting on the growth of Islam and the injustice of the church.
• The South African Sendingsgestig Museum (also known as the South African Slave Church Museum): reflecting on the legacy of mission and missionaries
• St Mark’s Church District Six, mourning the legacy of forced removals and segregation.
• Debrief and Reflection at St Mark’s Church

Distance: Approximately 6.5km in total.

PLEASE NOTE: This event requires a minimum of 8 participants and may be cancelled if numbers are insufficient.