Includes bibliographical references.

Between Mainlinism and Independentism-- a case study of an early secession / M.C. Kitshoff -- Factors leading to the formation of the Independent Methodist Church / J.A. Millard -- New Independent Methodist movements in Southern Africa / D. Balia -- Origins of the Spiritual Healing Church in Botswana / R.H. Friesen -- The conflict between the Spiritual Healing Church and the authorities before independence / B. Rantsudu -- Swazi Zionism and the royal politics of the kingdom / J.B. Mzizi -- Religious independency in the central region of Malawi / C.M. Pauw -- Black churches in the United States and in South Africa : similarities and differences / J.E. Kunnie -- Music and power in traditional Zulu society : the social role and status of amahubo songs / M. Xulu. Hierophanies : a hermeneutic paradigm for understanding Zionist ritual / S.W.D. Dube -- Causes for the proliferation of the African Independent Churches / S.I. Maboea -- Social change, resistance and worldview of a community in the Transkei / J. De Wet -- Called to be : Isangoma or prophet / M.P. Johnson -- The search for a holistic approach / A.S. Van Niekerk -- Towards the emancipation of women in a post-apartheid South Africa-- a case of a prayer woman in a Zionist church / M. Mkhize -- Women's ministry in Independent churches / L. August -- The role of women in the leadership of the churches in Swaziland / R.J. Cazziol -- The South African New Age movement and the African Indigenous Church movement / G.C. Oosthuizen -- Stories of faith among the Zionists / D. Hostetter.