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Dependency and independence
Perspectives on the (expensive) way of being church 
1
 Practical Theology in South Africa, 11(1) 1996, 14-23 Prof. J.J. (Dons) Kritzinger 
Introduction
The Kairos Document of 1984 said it in a most provocative way: thereare in reality two separate churches in South Africa, a White and aBlack Church (Kairos ). This document meant it in a politico-theologicalway, but my contention is that it reflects a socio-economic realitywhich cannot be denied. The black community is the poorest section of the South African population. Likewise, the churches struggle withbread-and-butter issues. These are issues which should concern thePractical Theologians.In this paper my interest is in another contrast, this time within the"Black Church:" that between the "Dependent" and the "Independent"Churches. The term "Independent Churches" is well known and inconstant use. They are called "Independent" not only because of theirorigin, which is not the result of "foreign" mission, but also theirindependent and free existence. What is not often emphasized is thatthese churches are as a rule also independent financially. In contrastto them there are those black churches that I here call "DependentChurches," because of their financial dependence on others. They aremore usually called "Mission Churches," or "Western InitiatedChurches." It goes without saying that this is especially an area whereMissiology and Practical Theology meet and should compare notes.My interest in the subject of Church and Money was stimulated by anumber of things. Being a pastor in black churches in poorcommunities for the past 22 years has given me an insight into the
1
This is a revised edition of a paper read at the NERMIC (Centre for the Study of New Religious Movements and Independent Churches) symposium of July 1995. Thematerial, which was there focused on leaders of the African Independent Churches, ishere written for a wider audience. It is not intended to be a "learned" contribution,but rather a challenge for Practical Theology from the practical experience of asignificant sector of South African Christianity.
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