The second African synod is just closing its doors after weeks of deliberations on the situation of the Church in Africa. The synod brought together representatives from various parts of Africa and who included experts in various doctrinal disciplines of the church. It emerged that time was too short compared to the vastness of the continent and myriad of issues that continue to dog the emerging church.
The church in Africa finds herself immersed in political turmoil’s that have rocked parts of Africa for decades and the uprising Muslim extremists who know not religious tolerance whose knack for violence has left hundreds of Christians suffering in Northern Nigeria, Algeria, Somalia just to name a few hot spots. It emerged that the Bishops from North Africa are more at home with the Muslim than those from the Southern part of Africa probably because of their many years of experience with the Islam. This observation serves as key in addressing the situation that is creeping in the whole continent, the Muslim phenomenon, as the continent seeks reconciliation, Justice and peace.
However, the greatest challenge remains how Africa will redeem herself from the negative labels she has received from the West and Europe; how to evolve from the Dark Continent to a Continent of Hope or a Continent of Mission. It must be the priority in Africa how she provides the world with an alternative; an alternative that is rooted in the gospel and human values. Yes, it has been said that Africans are notoriously religious, but is not enough to hang around such an adage while real life is not imbued by religious values. People must be defined by what they believe!
Africa must say no to neo-colonialism, hatred, corruption and all other evils that decimate her potential and embrace that which make her really ‘rise and walk’. However, the international community must too take her responsibility in setting Africa free from unjust debts, from systemic rooting of her resources by multinationals, from not being self sufficient in food and water despite favorable weather patterns and farming conditions to name just a few. Taking care of these obstacles will be better than giving grants to Africa. Indeed, the best thing you can do to a friend is not giving them all they need but making them realize how much they have! This way Africa needs not grant, but empowerment!
The church in Africa finds herself immersed in political turmoil’s that have rocked parts of Africa for decades and the uprising Muslim extremists who know not religious tolerance whose knack for violence has left hundreds of Christians suffering in Northern Nigeria, Algeria, Somalia just to name a few hot spots. It emerged that the Bishops from North Africa are more at home with the Muslim than those from the Southern part of Africa probably because of their many years of experience with the Islam. This observation serves as key in addressing the situation that is creeping in the whole continent, the Muslim phenomenon, as the continent seeks reconciliation, Justice and peace.
However, the greatest challenge remains how Africa will redeem herself from the negative labels she has received from the West and Europe; how to evolve from the Dark Continent to a Continent of Hope or a Continent of Mission. It must be the priority in Africa how she provides the world with an alternative; an alternative that is rooted in the gospel and human values. Yes, it has been said that Africans are notoriously religious, but is not enough to hang around such an adage while real life is not imbued by religious values. People must be defined by what they believe!
Africa must say no to neo-colonialism, hatred, corruption and all other evils that decimate her potential and embrace that which make her really ‘rise and walk’. However, the international community must too take her responsibility in setting Africa free from unjust debts, from systemic rooting of her resources by multinationals, from not being self sufficient in food and water despite favorable weather patterns and farming conditions to name just a few. Taking care of these obstacles will be better than giving grants to Africa. Indeed, the best thing you can do to a friend is not giving them all they need but making them realize how much they have! This way Africa needs not grant, but empowerment!
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