Anglicanism in Africa: History, Identity, and Mission

Abstract

A historical perspective is a vital part of insight into Anglicanism in Africa. This article assesses the role of missionaries when colonialists and missionaries were often perceived as collaborators. Further, the African nations’ struggle for independence impacted issues of identity and enculturation, so it offers a review of the place of African cultural and religious practices in this new faith, including the place of the uneducated in a seemingly elite religion and how addressing this necessitated liturgical renewal and other adaptations. Finally, it will look at the Anglican mission in African societies in relation to leadership, injustice, poverty, disease, secularization, and a restive youth population and highlight African Anglicans’ response to Western revisionist tendencies and redefinitions of gender and family. KEYWORDS: Anglicanism, bishop, colonialism, historical perspective, identity, Kikuyu Conference, East African Revival, missionary