Persepsies oor die sinodebesluite en aard van die psalms binne die GKSA

Perceptions regarding synod decisions and the nature of psalms in the RCSA. Since its inception in 1859, the Reformed Church in South Africa has been singing only psalms, scriptural hymns and Biblical songs. Currently, there are two official versifications of the psalms in use within the Reformed Church, namely the so-called Totius versification of 1936 and the 2001 rhymed version of psalm texts, mainly by T.T. Cloete. A study of members’ perceptions of synod decisions and the nature of the psalms in the Reformed Church shows that the psalms are not fully utilised. Synods decide what type of songs, type of songs, including psalms, are approved, are approved for use. Members believe that many psalms are no longer suitable for the 21st-century churchgoer, that synod decisions appear to be out of touch with members’ musical needs and that synods oppose musical innovation. The purpose of this article is to give an overview of ministers, organists/music leaders and parishioners’ perceptions regarding the nature and use of psalms during worship in the Reformed Church of South Africa as well as synod decisions pertaining to the psalms. Die Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika sing vanaf die kerk se ontstaan in 1859 slegs psalms, Skrifberymings en Skrifgetroue liedere. Tans is daar twee amptelike psalmberymings in gebruik binne die Gereformeerde Kerk, naamlik die sogenaamde Totius-beryming van 1936, asook die 2001-omdigting met psalmtekste deur hoofsaaklik T.T. Cloete. ’n Studie van lidmate se persepsies oor sinodebesluite en die aard van die psalms binne die Gereformeerde Kerk toon aan dat die psalms nie optimaal benut word nie. Sinodes besluit watter tipe liedere, insluitend psalms, vir gebruik goedgekeur word. Lidmate glo dat talle psalms nie meer geskik is vir die 21ste-eeuse lidmaat nie, dat sinodebesluite uit voeling is met lidmate se musikale behoeftes en dat sinodes musikale vernuwing teenwerk. Die doel van hierdie artikel is om ’n oorsig te gee van die persepsies van predikante, orreliste/musiekleiers en gemeentelede met betrekking tot die aard en gebruik van die psalms binne die erediens van die Gereformeerde Kerke van Suid-Afrika, asook sinodebesluite wat hiermee verband hou.