The covenantal relationship between the Methodist Church of Southern Africa and her Presbyters: an ethical appraisal

Abstract

The term 'covenantal relationship' is used by the Methodist Church of Southern Africa1 to describe the nature of the vocational agreement between this denomination and her ministers (Presbyters). This relationship differs substantially from what we understand to be a secular contractual agreement between an employer and an employee. In recent times the covenantal relationship has become a source of contention, especially when a dispute arises between a Presbyter and the MCSA, or vice versa. This article describes this covenantal relationship, and seeks to measure the ethical implications of it. The authors employ Kretzschmar's DECA method2 (see Ally, Bentley, Cloete and Kretzschmar 2010, 64-77) in the appraisal thereof.