The Second African Synod and the Challenges of Reconciliation, Justice, and Peace in Africa's Social Context: A Missional Theological Praxis for Transformation—Part 2

Abstract

This essay continues the discussion (started in “Part 1” in the April 2012 issue) on the proposals of the Second African Synod for reconciliation, justice, and peace in Africa. In this second part, the theme of reconciliation is developed, while I propose a missional theological praxis of transformation in Africa through African Christianity. The paper argues that this requires the departure from a triumphalistic theology that glories simply in Christian expansion in Africa to a deeper concern on how to bring about the fruits of the eschatological harvest of God's kingdom in the challenging and changing social contexts of African societies. The article proposes how to mine the riches of the new Pentecost currently swiping through Africa by valorizing the agency of African Christians and cultural traditions to bring about a better and more hopeful Africa.