SUMMARY
This research focuses on the role that needs to be played by the church in thedevelopment of democracy in a democratic South Africa. It argues that since thechurch played an important role in the struggle against apartheid and during thetransition to the formation of a democratic government, it has to continue beinginvolved in influencing the political life of the country. However, the first decade ofdemocracy has seen the church retreating to denominational conclaves leaving avacuum in the political arena. This is blamed to the tight control and centralizationof government which makes it difficult for citizens and civil society organizations,such as the church, to penetrate and participate. Then it calls for the church toconsider active participation in the development of democracy by suggesting waysof political engagement for the church in South Africa.