10.2.1 The wide-ranging Rustenburg Conference of Churches in 1990, which was held at the initiative of the then state president, Mr FW de Klerk, was the outcome of an idea raised by the moderator of the 1986 General Synod,Prof JA Heyns, during discussions between a Dutch Reformed Church delegation and the president. Events at that conference contributed to the reconcilation of churches which had been alienated for years.
10.2.2 The involvement of Dutch Reformed Church officials and members, specifically the late Prof Heyns, Dr Louw Alberts and Dr Antonie Gildenhuys, in peace initiatives in the early 1 990s is well known.
10.2.3 In the past few years the Dutch Reformed Church has observed several days of prayer for peace and reconciliation in the country - sometimes on its own, but more frequently in co-operation with other churches.
10.2.4 On the occasion of his address to the General Synod of 1994 President Mandela referred to "the constructive role which the leadership of the Dutch Reformed Church played during the turbulent period leading up to the election of 27 April 1994. " "Your readiness to caution some of your own members against racism and reckless war talk was an important contribution to the miracle of South Africa's peaceful transition to democracy. You are an integral part of South Africa's unique testimony in a world in which so much violence and intolerance still prevails," [translation] he said.
10.2.5 In 1993 the Dutch Reformed Church held a peace congress in Pretoria in which prominent political and religious leaders took part.
10.2.6 After nearly 50 years, South Africa is again involved as an observer at the South African Council of Churches, where it, together with other churches, is playing a role in the building of bridges and in reconciliation initiatives.
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