THE Dutch Reformed Church’s official newspaper, Die Kerkbode, celebrates its 150th birthday this month. The church mouthpiece, which is South Africa’s oldest weekly newspaper, was first published on January 13 1849 under the title De Gereformeerde Kerkbode,. Its aim was to counter liberal thinking that placed a high value on human sovereignty and questioned the existence of God. Among the 17 editors who have led Die Kerkbode are Andrew Murray, Vader Kestell, Andries Treurnicht and GSJ Moller. A special service will be held on Sunday at Cape Town’s Groote Kerk to commemorate the anniversary.