Bantu Presbyterian Church of South Africa

Examines the Free Church of Scotland Mission in South Africa

• Draws substantially on primary and secondary sources from South Africa and Scotland
• Demonstrates the exceptional activity of Scottish missionaries in the field of the development of Christian missions
• Indicates the crucial role played by indigenous Christians in the growth of the mission
• Establishes the history of South African Christianity in the context of racial segregation and apartheid

This book traces the development of the Scottish Presbyterian mission from 1824 until the formation of the Bantu Presbyterian Church of South Africa in 1923 as the first South African outcome of the three-self movement. It considers the development of this autonomous church, supported by the Free Church of Scotland until 1929, and the Church of Scotland thereafter in the light of its ongoing missionary purpose until its union with the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa in 1999. Drawing from archival sources, Graham A. Duncan documents the history of South African Christianity in the context of racial segregation and apartheid.

The book foregrounds the distinguished history of Scottish Presbyterianism in South Africa. It also presents a significant part of the church history of Scotland, beyond its borders, highlighting the important role played by indigenous Christians in the growth of global Christianity.