On behalf of the Department of Practical Theology, within the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria, Prof Hannes Knoetze recently led a one-day conference, focused on the topic ‘The Seven Words of Jesus on the Cross’, for pastors, priests and prophets as they prepared for the 2023 Holy Week events at their respective Christian churches.

In the words of Prof Knoetze himself, “Every year on Good Friday, thousands of Christians meditate on the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice for us in suffering a humiliating, bloody death by crucifixion. With this conference, the Faculty of Theology and Religion wants to engage with church leaders, listening to each other and learning from each other as we dwell on what Jesus suffered for us, in all its pain and intensity. The purpose of this conference was to help one another listen together to the words of Jesus on the cross and to discern together what the message of hope is for the people of South Africa in Easter 2023. All pastors and persons who will preach or lead worship services during Easter 2023 were welcome.”

Staged at the AME Robinson Chapel in Sebokeng, the conference drew scores of participants from around the region, who were blessed by a time of fellowship, enlightenment and a keynote address by Dr Mphumezi Hombana, also from the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria.  The full text of his presentation is herewith included for further reading and reflection.