Th is essay argues that the faithfulness of the church in a world with so many vulnerabilities entails that she acknowledges her own vulnerability and frailty. Th is ecclesial vulnerability is based in the vulnerability of the triune God to whom she witnesses, as well as in the vulnerability of human beings. On the basis of this trinitarian and anthropological vulnerability, suggestions are made regarding the nature, attitude, and public calling of the church. As witnesses and disciples of Jesus Christ, the church has a threefold presence in public life; namely, to be vulnerable prophets, priests, and royals. A vulnerable church is a faithful church, and therefore, a relevant church.

Th is article discusses the potential of a Trinitarian approach to theology for constructing a public theology in the context of the immense social, political, economic, environmental, cultural, sexual and health challenges of (South) Africa. Th eology engages with the three publics of academy, society and church in order to enhance a flourishing life for all humans and the rest of creation. Sallie McFague's Trinitarian planetary theology is investigated. It is argued that her portrayal of God-as the one who: creates us in God's image; liberates us from all enslavements; provides for our spiritual and material needs; saves us from personal and institutional sin and renews humans, churches, nature and society-offers guidelines for constructing a Trinitarian public theology on African soil.

Christian faith has enjoyed high levels of presence in public life in South Africa. In the context of post-apartheid South Africa with its constitution that is neutral with regard to religious and secular worldviews, Christian faith and other faiths are also welcomed in public life. To ensure a redemptive and constructive, humanizing and dignifying presence of Christian faith in public life, the practice of critical public theology is required. The notion of public theology has gained prominence in contemporary discourses on the role of Christian faith both inside and outside South Africa.

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