Celebrating and giving thanks for the 20th anniversary of the UDF (United Democratic Front)

Today, 21 August 2008, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the United Democratic Front. For those who lived under Apartheid in South Africa in the 1980's you will know that the Apartheid government placed very strict restrictions on political and civic organisations that were standing for justice, equity and human rights in South Africa. In fact, the oppression was so stringent that many individuals and organisations were severely persecuted.

The UDF was started to build solidarity and co-operation between many different organisations that were working to deconstruct and undermine the Apartheid regime. Of course, as with any organisation of this size, there were some elements that were somewhat controversial. However, on the whole, the UDF did incredible work to keep the struggle active and co-ordinated. I remember experiencing a great deal of passion, learning a great deal about justice and mercy, and finding many likeminded persons at UDF meetings at WITS, in Soweto and JHB in the late 1980's and early 1990's.

Today I give thanks to God for the many women and men, Christian, and those who were not Christian, who worked to bring political freedom to South Africa (which was eventually realised in our first 'free' elections in April 1994). Of course there is still a great deal of work to be done aluta continua! We long for the continued work for true freedom and liberation. Many still live under very sad and difficult conditions, apartheid (now an economic reality rather than a racial ideology) is still very much alive and active in South Africa.

So, I give thanks for 20 years of united work for democracy, and long to see further united work for the realisation of a society that reflects the mercy, justice, and blessing of God's Kingdom of Grace!

- Luke 4:18-19 (notice how Jesus describes his ministry)
- Isaiah 11:6-9 (a glimpse of the Kingdom of God from the Old Testament)
- Revelation 21:3-5a (another glimpse of the Kingdom of God from the New Testament)