Reformed Old Apostolic Church

The Reformed Old Apostolic Church is a chiliastic sect with roots in the Catholic Apostolic Church and the Old Apostolic Church. It is part of a branch in Christianity called Irvingism ^[1] and is separate from Protestantism ^[2] with membership throughout South Africa

History

The Reformed Old Apostolic Church was founded in 1972 by Robert Lombard, a former Apostle of the Old Apostolic Church of Africa.^[3]

Pre-ROAC History

Apostle Robert Lombard was ordained as an Apostle in the Old Apostolic Church in 1958 by Apostle William Campbell. Lombard was the first coloured, and the second non-white Apostle of the Old Apostolic Church. During his lifetime up until 1972 ^[3] he was responsible for the coloured and black communities of the Cape Province, cause he was not allowed to serve white congregations (Northern Cape, Western Cape and Eastern Cape).^[4] This was due to racial segregation within the OAC.

Schism from the Old Apostolic Church

In 1971 Lombard was relieved of his responsibilities due to his outspoken way on how non-white congregates were being treated.^[5] Lombard was also very sick and saw how the New Apostolic church and other South African churches were standing firm again racial segregation and had a revelation that he must lead his people to the promised land, where all are treated equal and can serve the Lord freely. Lombard believed that he was appointed by Jesus Christ as a liberator of suppressed members in the church.

In January 1972 Robert Lombard and two Overseers (Adolf Neethling and Gamba) were relieved of their duties by then Old Apostolic Church apostle Campbell, this transpired while in a service held in Elsies River in Cape Town. Most of the coloured congregation were unhappy and decided to go with Lomabrd, this lead to the formation of the newly formed non white Old Apostolic Church, which would later be renamed to ROAC. Lombart appointed Adolf Neethling to succeed him in January 1972, and died in June that same year.

In a court case in 1975 the Non-White Old Apostolic Church was forced to change its name to Reformed Old Apostolic Church. The reason stated was that the name "Non-White Olld Apostolic Church" confused the public into thinking that the church was a branch of the Old Apostolic Church. Today the church is widely known as ROAC, standing for the Reformed Old Apostolic Church.^[2][4]

Demographics for the ROAC is not available.

Theology

Jesus

The ROAC believed that after the resurrection, Jesus went to heaven, descended back in the form of the holy spirit and resides a new body. The congregation forming the body of Christ. Apostles of the ROAC are appointed by Christ through visions, dreams and prophecy.

The Dead

Part of ROAC doctrine is the teaching that the dead who did not have an opportunity to meet Christ during their lifetime can be given an opportunity.

The ROAC practises baptism for the dead. During sealing of the Holy Spirit services departed souls who did not get a chance to ascend to heaven can get to opportunity to do so. The congregation acts as the bloody of Christ though whom they are enter the kingdom of God

Sources

• Martin, Harry. I Tell You the Truth. (Eyewitness accounts and Testimonies by a member of the ROAC)
• Old Apostolic Church of Africa: Western Cape (photo-album)
• Old Apostolic Church of South Africa v Non-White Old Apostolic Church of Africa 1975 (2) SA 684 (C) at 687

References

External links

• http://www.internetapostolicmovement.info Unofficial website of the Reformed Old Apostolic Church. It includes the book "I Tell You the Truth" by Harry Martin.