Rev Dr Vuyani Vellem and church Ministers in Gauteng reflect on Isixeko at ESSET Discussion Forum meeting.

Rev Dr Vuyani Vellem presented a rich paper on Isixeko at a Discussion Forum meeting hosted today at Khotso House Chapel by ESSET. Rev Dr Vellem described the concept of Isexeko as a rich theological and liturgical resource that can be employed as a symbol of life giving experience and to reflect on issues of economic justice. He said Isixeko is not about outreaches and salvations, but immersion in struggles of the poor and being in solidarity with them for a vision of a collective share in the rhythm and drumbeats of life.

He described the Christian celebrations during the Easter period as a typical act of Isixeko. These celebrations are self-organized form of liturgy by ordinary people involved in struggles and whose forms of worship are not recognized by the mainstream church. Isixeko is characterized by raptures, boisterous dancing and singing of the excluded publicly expressing their yearnings to be included and challenging the dominant hegemonic economic trajectories.