This article explores the current state of public practical theology in South Africa in shaping public policy and its responses to issues affecting communities, with particular emphasis on xenophobia. The proponents of public practical theology while having the same or similar approaches on how it should be practised, seemingly differ on the pastoral mode of advocacy. The differences in perspectives vary from being occupied with the more abstract paradigmatic, epistemological and methodological concerns by the scholars in this field. This obviates the fundamental practical theological dimension of the task of public practical theology, which should prioritise a concern with the agency role of the church and other religious communities -albeit not in isolation from other role players -in shaping public po licy. In doing so, this article firstly, will explore the interconnection between public practical theology and Christian ethics. Secondly, practical theology as a conceptual and functional understanding within the context of xenophobia with a shift in emphasis to public practical theology.