The process of being formally accepted as a member of a group or organisation. The process of being initiated: A ceremony or series of actions that makes a person a member of a group or organisation. The act of starting something. In some of the African groups in South Africa initiation is seen and practised as a cultural phenomenon. This cultural right of passage is predominantly experienced as a patriarchal right of passage to manhood. These cultural practices encompassed aspects that are both compatible and incompatible with the Pentecostal understanding of Scripture. For this reason, it creates a dilemma for pastors and parents because they will have to choose between loyalty to their culture and their understanding of Scripture. Several encounters with groups within the church who are affected by this dilemma have unearthed various difficult issues that were not adequately resolved.
Released: 19 November 2018
