By Paschal Norbert
NAIROBI, JANUARY, 31, 2025 (CISA) – Rt Rev Mathew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto in Nigeria, has issued a compelling call to action, urging the Catholic Church in Africa to move beyond passive observation and actively engage in shaping the continent’s political and social landscape.
Speaking at a conference themed “The Future of African Theology in a Continent Longing for a New World Order” on January 29, 2025, at Hekima University College in Nairobi, Bishop Kukah delivered a thought-provoking address that dissected Africa’s historical narratives, leadership failures, and the Church’s role in correcting systemic injustices.
Bishop Kukah began by lamenting the gaps in Africa’s historical knowledge, arguing that the failure to engage with authentic African history has contributed to an identity crisis.
“I have always been concerned about issues that many others have overlooked. Looking back now, as an older person, I recognize what we missed by not reading authentic African history and understanding our true African culture. These gaps in knowledge have shaped the narratives we contend with today, leading to debates about Africa’s identity, history, and cultural depth,” he stated.
He emphasized that African theology lacks the depth necessary to address these gaps, urging scholars and theologians to anchor their discussions within the continent’s rich cultural and historical context.
Bishop Kukah, renowned for his fearless advocacy and commitment to justice, democracy, and human development, has consistently spoken truth to power. As both a priest and a political scientist, he has held key roles in shaping Nigeria’s governance and reconciliation efforts. He served as a member of Nigeria’s Truth Commission, acted as secretary of the Political Reform Conference, and contributed to Nigeria’s Electoral Reform Committee. Additionally, he played a crucial role in mediating the resolution of the Shell-Ogoni conflict in the Niger Delta.
Addressing the legacy of colonialism, the prelate decried the misleading narratives that have been internalized by many Africans. He pointed to how colonial historiography framed conquests as civilizing missions rather than acts of aggression.
“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,” he observed, stressing that the Church must actively work to correct these misconceptions and help Africans reclaim their historical narratives.
A central theme of Kukah’s address was the moral duty of the Church to participate in political and social transformation. Drawing inspiration from St. John Paul II’s role in shaping Poland’s political future, he argued that religious leaders cannot afford to be disengaged spectators.
“We can no longer afford to be mere spectators in the political, social, and economic development of Africa. 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,” he noted while criticizing the indifference of many African clergy toward governance issues and called for proactive engagement in public discourse.
Expressing deep concern over the casual reporting of human loss in Africa, Bishop Kukah urged a shift in how conflicts and tragedies are perceived. He called upon the Church to take a leading role in advocating for justice and reconciliation in war-torn regions such as DRC and South Sudan.
“In Africa, the scale of human loss is often reported in impersonal statistics- 20 people, 50 people, or even 150 people dead. However, we are beginning to awaken to the reality that those who perish are our brothers, sisters, and cousins. This realization demands a sense of urgency,” said the bishop.
Reflecting on the decline of Catholic influence in African politics, Bishop Kukah pointed to the past, when many of Africa’s first leaders were Catholics, contrasting it with the present lack of exemplary Catholic leaders.
“During the 1960s, many of Africa’s first political leaders were Catholics. However, some committed grave misdeeds, and we ultimately ended up with some of the world’s worst dictators, many of whom regularly received Holy Communion,” he noted.
He lamented that today, it is difficult to find Catholic heads of state who embody the principles of justice and integrity, warning that the Church risks losing its moral authority to Pentecostal movements and other religious groups.
“The question remains: where is the Catholic Church in global politics? Where is the Church in Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, or Nigeria? We risk becoming mere spectators while Pentecostal churches gain influence,” he lamented.
Bishop Kukah also noted a global shift in how power is perceived, arguing that holding office no longer guarantees influence. Instead, he cited the rise of figures like Mark Zuckerberg as evidence that authority now lies in knowledge and strategic engagement rather than titles.
“Power is no longer what it used to be. In contemporary society, holding office does not necessarily equate to wielding influence. Conversely, individuals outside official positions can exert considerable power,” he stated.
He urged the Church to adapt to this changing landscape and harness new forms of influence to remain relevant in shaping societal progress.
In closing, Bishop Kukah reiterated that Africa’s transformation requires more than constitutional reforms, it demands a moral compass that guides public life: “The real solution lies in establishing a moral framework that guides public engagement. Symbols of faith continue to shape the world, whether through the European Union’s 12-star flag, the preservation of Christian art in Saudi Arabia, or the resilience of religious traditions in Africa.”
He called upon the Church to reclaim its role as a moral and social guide, ensuring that its teachings illuminate the path toward ethical governance and justice.
