Vol. 8, No. 1 (Spring 2010)
This issue examines "African Church Responses to African Conflict." Contributors show how African churches have varied in their ability to respond effectively to hopes for peace and restoration within conflict and post-conflict situations.
Christianity and Conflict in Africa
R. Drew Smith Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Churches have been important institutions within Africa's characteristically weak civil society sector, and have possessed moral and social capital that contributed in a number of cases to the mediation of hostilities and movement toward peace and reconciliation. [FREE]
The Thing Behind the Thing: Christian Responses to Traditional Practices of Acknowledgement in Uganda
Joanna Quinn Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Most Ugandans have a common understanding of traditional systems of conflict resolution and their meanings. If Ugandan Christian leaders bless the modified use of customary practices it may provide helpful mechanisms for reconciliation.
Evangelical Christians and Indirect Resistance to Religious Persecution in Ethiopia
Tibebe Eshete Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Using nonviolent approaches, the evangelical church in Ethiopia refused to collaborate with the state's atheistic national projects, created a counter-culture community, and challenged the state's ideological legitimacy through protest-oriented gospel songs.
Read more: Evangelical Christians and Indirect Resistance to Religious Persecution in Ethiopia
“Guided by the Hand of God”: Liberian Women Peacemakers and Civil War
Robert Press Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Throughout the Liberian civil war, women and members of the religious community lobbied to participate in peace talks and organized public meetings, petitions, vigils, and marches.
Read more: “Guided by the Hand of God”: Liberian Women Peacemakers and Civil War
Christian-Muslim Conflicts and Interfaith Bridge-Building Efforts in Nigeria
Matthews Ojo, Folaranmi Lateju Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Religious fundamentalism among Christians and Muslims noticeably emerged in Nigeria during the 1970s. Most of Nigeria's interreligious forums have responded to religious conflict only after it has escalated into violence. [FREE]
Read more: Christian-Muslim Conflicts and Interfaith Bridge-Building Efforts in Nigeria
Political Violence in Kenya and Local Churches’ Responses: The Case of the 2007 Post-Election Crisis
Philomena Njeri Mwaura, Constansia Mumma Martinon Wednesday, 9 June 2010
As Kenyan society recovers from the 2007 post-election violence, the Church is still perceived as the national institution capable of transcending ethnic boundaries, seeking reconciliation, and developing long term solutions.
Church Responses to the Crisis in Zimbabwe
David Kaulemu Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Zimbabwean Christians have responded to the country's crisis in various ways, including: avoiding political engagement, moral indifference, aggression and hostility, and prophetic engagement.
Churches and Political Reconciliation in Post-Apartheid Namibia
Nico Horn Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Following Namibia's independence in 1990, racial politics divided the churches. The dominant white churches supported the government and black churches largely supported the South West Africa People's Organization.
Read more: Churches and Political Reconciliation in Post-Apartheid Namibia
The Ministry of Reconciliation in Angola
Lutiniko Landu Miguel Pedro Wednesday, 9 June 2010
After the Angolan civil war, churches eventually moved toward a new ecumenical vision. As churches contribute to social reconstruction, they should focus on three areas in particular: education, economic development, and democracy promotion.
Postures of Social Engagement: Reflections on Christianity after Rwanda’s Genocide
Emmanuel Katongole, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Christians have responded in three main ways to the Rwandan genocide. These postures achieved some good but were insufficient to radically alter the direction of the story that led to the 1994 genocide. [FREE]
Read more: Postures of Social Engagement: Reflections on Christianity after Rwanda’s Genocide
Kenyan Challenges for a Prophetic and Vigilant Church
Elias Opongo Wednesday, 9 June 2010
The Kenyan Church needs to be prophetic, guiding believers on the path of peace, reconciliation, and justice; vigilant, analyzing social trends and advocating for social transformation; and intrusive, participating in the various processes responsible for social wellbeing.
Read more: Kenyan Challenges for a Prophetic and Vigilant Church
The All Africa Conference of Churches and the Quest for Peace in Africa
Nyansako-ni-Nku Wednesday, 9 June 2010
The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), an ecumenical council representing church bodies from across sub-Saharan Africa, has provided a context for collective dialogue and action across Africa's many social and religious diversities since 1963.
Read more: The All Africa Conference of Churches and the Quest for Peace in Africa
A Village of Peace for Sudan
Jason Byassee Wednesday, 9 June 2010
The Holy Trinity Peace Village's goal is to have a village without tribalism, and to be a model—for Sudan and beyond—of a life of true abundance and peace.
Seven Stories of Rwandan Reconciliation
Stephanie Wheatley Wednesday, 9 June 2010
A review of Catherine Claire Larson, As We Forgive: Stories of Reconciliation from Rwanda (Zondervan, 2009).
The Myth of the Non-Political Church
Amy Patterson Wednesday, 9 June 2010
A review of Timothy Longman, Christianity and Genocide in Rwanda (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2009).