Embroiled

Apartheid profoundly challenged conceptions of humanity and development that arose after World War II. By focusing on the Swiss Mission in South Africa (SMSA) as an actor in Switzerland, South Africa and in international ecumenical organisations, this book analyses the manner in which religious organisations dealt with the formulation and implementation of apartheid. Through key issues such as education, health, homelands, ethnicity as well as sanctions and investment policies, the work shows how apartheid led to profound divisions within church circles both inside and outside of South Africa. It is a critical contribution to current debates over the role of Switzerland and other Western countries towards apartheid South Africa.