Lig in Duisternis Uitgewers announced a nationwide campaign around the ascension of Christ, with a public manifesto calling on all Christians, schools, congregations, organisations, and authorities to openly acknowledge and practically honor the Kingship of Jesus Christ.
The campaign, which includes an online petition and a downloadable manifesto, aims to raise awareness about the meaning of Ascension Day in the public life of South Africa.
Rev. Schalk Strauss, head of publications at Lig in Duisternis Uitgewers, explains the motivation behind the campaign: “The ascension of Christ is not a small liturgical feast for devout people. It is the greatest enthronement in history. When we silence Ascension Day or remove it from our public calendars, it is not neutrality. It is a choice against the recognition of the true King.”
The manifesto, titled The Ascension of Christ: A public confession of Kingship, is grounded in Scripture and the Three Forms of Unity and addresses five core truths: The enthronement of Christ as the greatest event in history, the political and public nature of it, the mandate Ascension the ascension of Christ gives to the church, the affirmation of the value of humanity, and the power of prayer anchored in Christ’s ascension.
Strauss continues: “We see a growing trend where the commemoration of Ascension Day disappears from schools, institutions, and public consciousness. But the church cannot remain silent. Jesus Christ has ascended the throne. He now reigns over all things. This is a reality we must confess publicly, repeatedly, and unapologetically.”
The campaign specifically targets four groups: Churches and congregations that want to officially celebrate Ascension Day and use the manifesto as a foundation for preaching and community involvement; schools and educators who want to restore Ascension Day to their calendars and programs; families who consciously want to celebrate the day as an act of faith; organisations and leaders who take a public stand regarding the Kingship of Jesus Christ.
Strauss emphasises that the campaign is more than a one-time event: “We hope this manifesto will spark a movement. Not a movement of people, but a reaffirmation of eternal truth: Jesus Christ is Lord. To Him belongs the dominion, the power, and the glory, now and forever. We call on every believer, every congregation, and every institution to profess this aloud.”
The manifesto is freely available as a downloadable PDF on the campaign website, and the online petition is now open for signature. This petition will eventually be sent to government representatives. Rev. Schalk Strauss is available for interviews, subject to scheduling.
Download the manifesto here and sign the petition.