“Ever heard of a church born from a schism?” That’s the story of the Apostolic Church – Apostle Unity. We’re standing in front of a piece of South African religious history. This church has a unique origin story.
The Apostolic Church – Apostle Unity isn’t just another church. It’s the South African branch of the United Apostolic Church. Its roots go way back to the Catholic Apostolic Church of the early 19th century. The Apostolic Church – Apostle Unity was officially founded in 1955. It emerged from a split within the New Apostolic Church. This makes it part of a Christian movement known as Irvingism. It is distinct from Protestantism.
To understand its beginnings, we need to travel back to Germany. In 1956, the United Apostolic Church was established in Düsseldorf. This happened after several apostles from the New Apostolic Church were excommunicated. Their offense? They didn’t agree with the Chief Apostle’s teachings. He had proclaimed that Jesus Christ would return during his lifetime.
The Apostolic Church – Apostle Unity shares a special symbol with its sister church in Australia. It is a logo featuring four R’s. These R’s stand for Right, Royal, Righteous, and Rich. Right means following the Bible. Royal signifies being part of Christ’s bride. Righteous refers to partaking in Christ’s body and blood. Rich represents the promises given to Christ’s apostles.
Now, let’s delve into some history. In 1889, Evangelist Carl George Klibbe arrived in South Africa. He started his mission work for the Apostolic Church. By 1893, he was ordained as an Apostle by H.F. Niemeyer of Australia. Back then, the concept of a single Chief Apostle wasn’t established. Each Apostle operated independently.
However, the rise of Hermann Niehaus and his personality cult caused a split. Niemeyer distanced himself from the German branch. In 1912, he founded The Apostolic Church of Queensland. A year later, Klibbe was excommunicated from the New Apostolic Church. He went on to establish the New Apostolic Church which was later renamed the Old Apostolic Church of Africa.
Fast forward to 1950s. Conflicts arose within the New Apostolic Church due to the “Botschaft” of Chief Apostle Johann Gottfried Bischoff. In 1954, Apostles Philippus Jacobus Erasmus and D.C.S. Malan were excommunicated. Apostle Heinrich Franz Schlaphoff resigned. These men oversaw a thriving district of about 60000 members. They founded the Apostolic Church and many followed them.
The death of Apostle Velde led to a significant event. A meeting between his group and the excommunicated group was cancelled. Australian Apostle Zielke stepped in. He asked Elder Petersen to meet with Erasmus and Malan. On November 23, 1956, in Cape Town, they agreed to merge. Around 800 members and three church buildings joined the new Apostolic Church – Apostle Unity.
Today, the Apostolic Church – Apostle Unity is organized into districts. These parishes are mainly in the Western Cape and Gauteng. But also you can find them in North West, Polokwane, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. The church’s headquarters are in Johannesburg.
So, as you stand here, remember the journey of the Apostolic Church – Apostle Unity. It is a story of faith, division, and ultimately, unity. Its unique history and message continue to resonate within South Africa.