By Paschal Nobert
NAIROBI, JANUARY 31, 2025 (CISA) – Hekima University College (HUC) hosted an illuminating conference titled “The Future of African Theology in a Continent Longing for a New World Order,” on January 29, 2025, providing a platform to critically examine the role of theology in addressing Africa’s pressing challenges. This significant gathering sought to bridge the gap between spiritual ideals and real-world issues, underscoring theology’s relevance in creating a just, inclusive, and transformed society.
With insights from Rt Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Nigeria, and Rt Rev Rodrigo Mejia SJ, Emeritus Vicar Apostolic of Sodo, Ethiopia, and holder of the African Chair in Theological Studies at HUC (2024- 2025), the conference demonstrated HUC’s commitment to shaping theological discourse that resonates both locally and globally, underscoring theology’s transformative potential in reimagining Africa’s future.
The event highlighted the critical intersections between faith, politics, justice, and healing, showcasing African theology’s potential to be a prophetic voice in reimagining societal structures as framed by Fr Marcel Uwineza SJ, Principal of HUC, in his introductory remarks.
He emphasized the critical intersection between theology and Africa’s socio-political realities, stating “African theology, as we know it today, is much more than an academic discipline; it is a living, breathing conversation that reflects the experiences, hopes, and dreams of a people whose history has often been marginalized in the larger global narrative. It begins with the realities of African life-its diverse cultures, rich traditions, and the weight of its history, both colonial and post-colonial.”
Fr Uwineza called for a prophetic voice in theology, one that challenges systemic inequities and global injustices while affirming the dignity of African identity.
“More than ever before, African theology is stepping forward to offer a prophetic voice in the global conversation on justice, equality, peace, and liberation,” he added. These words set the tone for an intellectually and spiritually invigorating discourse.
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah: Confronting Africa’s Historical Gaps
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, a fearless advocate against corruption, injustice, and violence, and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political reform journey and a staunch defender of human dignity, examined the historical and cultural gaps that have shaped Africa’s struggles with identity and development.
Reflecting on the continent’s past in his address titled “Why the Church Cannot Be Spectators,” Bishop Kukah stated, “Colonial historiography presents a distorted version of history. The British, for instance, never explicitly stated that they conquered Nigeria or Kenya. Instead, they framed their actions as the “pacification of the tribes.” It was only later that the first generation of African historians began to redefine these events as British conquests. The colonizers presented their mission as one of civilization, suggesting that they saved Africans from tribal conflicts and provided a new vision for the future. Many of us have internalized and lived with these imposed realities.”
The prelate emphasized the urgency of reclaiming Africa’s historical identity to construct a theology that resonates with the lived experiences of its people.
He criticized the Church for its occasional disengagement, asserting, “We can no longer afford to be mere spectators in the political, social, and economic development of Africa. Justice must be central to our understanding of politics, theology, and social engagement.”
“One historical figure who has profoundly influenced my perspective is St. John Paul II. He shattered the illusion of disengagement and demonstrated that political participation in a dysfunctional society is imperative. A remarkable example of this was his influence in Poland; he never explicitly directed people on whom to vote for, yet his teachings on solidarity ultimately shaped a political movement. This underscores the point that political innocence is no longer a valid excuse for inaction,” he stated.
Bishop Kukah stressed the Church’s potential to drive moral and social change: “The Catholic Church, with its 2,000-year history of addressing societal challenges, has the capacity to drive meaningful change. The key is to harness this wisdom effectively,” he said, referencing his own experiences in Nigeria’s political reform initiatives.
He urged Church leaders to become “wounded healers,” drawing from their own vulnerabilities to empathize with and heal their communities.
“The scale of human suffering in Africa requires leaders who understand pain-not in abstract terms, but as a lived experience,” he said. He illustrated this with stories of conflict and displacement in Nigeria, emphasizing the Church’s role in reconciliation and healing.
Bishop Rodrigo Mejia SJ: Theology as Yeast in the Church and Society
Bishop Rodrigo Mejia, in his presentation, likened theology to yeast, highlighting its role as a catalyst for transformation. He outlined a model for addressing Africa’s challenges based on listening, reflection, and action.
“True transformation begins with listening, hearing the cries of the people, understanding their pain, and allowing their voices to shape our responses,” he said.
He then underscored the importance of discernment in theological practice, advocating for a reflective approach that avoids quick fixes.
“Reflection is the bridge between listening and action. It allows us to weigh our responses against the values of justice and peace,” he explained.
Bishop Rodrigo called for a theology deeply rooted in Africa’s spiritual and cultural identity, capable of addressing the continent’s systemic challenges while offering hope.
“We must challenge our cultural assumptions and redefine our approach. In my book Evangelization of Cultures in Plural, I argue that the root causes of Africa’s challenges are cultural. Culture is not something we simply belong to; it shapes our thinking, debating, and living,” he said.
“African theology must move beyond looking to the past and instead focus on how culture evolves with each generation. As an analog bishop in a digital world, I acknowledge that methods must change to reach younger generations effectively. Quoting theological authorities is no longer sufficient; we must begin with real-life experiences and concerns,” explained the Colombian Jesuit, who has devoted over 60 years to missionary work in Africa.
Bishop Mejia also spoke about the role of education in empowering communities, particularly the youth, saying “The Church must invest in education as a tool for liberation. It is through learning that we equip people to confront systemic injustice and build a better future.”
The Role of African Theology in a Changing World
Throughout the conference, the speakers grappled with the implications of a rapidly changing global order. Fr Uwineza captured the essence of this challenge when he remarked, “Africa has long been a land of paradox, rich in natural resources but burdened with systemic poverty, politically volatile but brimming with hope, deeply spiritual yet constantly confronted by religious and ideological tensions. In this context, African theology finds itself at a crossroads.”
The discussions explored how theology could bridge the gap between Africa’s spiritual richness and its socio-political challenges. As Bishop Kukah noted, “The scale of human loss in Africa is often reduced to impersonal statistics, but these numbers represent real lives- our brothers, sisters, and cousins. This realization demands a sense of urgency and practical solutions.”
This crossroads, they said, demands a theology that is not abstract but deeply engaged with Africa’s realities. Bishop Kukah highlighted how theology must address the human cost of conflict and injustice, while Bishop Mejia emphasized the importance of education and dialogue in fostering societal transformation. Both speakers agreed on the necessity of a theology that is prophetic, offering hope while challenging structures of oppression.
