wfn.org | LWF Seminar Hears 'Majority of African Christians Are

["Frank Imhoff" <Frank_Imhoff@elca.org>]

LWF Seminar Hears 'Majority of African Christians Are Influenced by
Traditional Beliefs'
"What Has Happened in the Church to Smother the Healing Power of the
Gospel?"

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa/GENEVA, 14 October 2004 (LWI) - "The
majority of African Christians are still influenced by African
traditional beliefs and practices especially in times of crisis, even
though they may not acknowledge it," Prof. Isabel Apawo Phiri, a
lecturer in African theology told participants in a Lutheran World
Federation (LWF) seminar in South Africa.

Phiri, who is coordinator of the Circle of Concerned African Women
Theologians, cited some female sangomas (healers) who were married to
Christians, as an example of a seemingly free-flow of beliefs and
practices between African Traditional Religion (ATR) and Christianity.
Some of the sangomas claimed to hold positions of authority in Christian
churches, she told delegates at the LWF Department for Theology and
Studies (DTS) meeting on African spirituality and its challenges to the
Lutheran ministry.

Her paper focused on the trauma suffered by African women, especially
female traditional healers, as a result of apartheid and the current
crime rate in South Africa. Phiri, who teaches at the University of
KwaZulu Natal in South Africa, argued for Christian's open recognition
of the role of traditional healers, saying the latter's healing
techniques were generally accepted as effective.

Rev. Pukumah Yakubu, teaching at the Bronnum Lutheran Seminary in
Nigeria, pointed out that the healing ministry was a gift from God,
aimed at energizing the church and bringing people to God's saving
grace. The challenge, he argued, was not whether the church should
incorporate African religion and sangomas in its healing ministry but
rather, "what has happened in the church to smother and nullify the
healing, restoring power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?" 

A study document, "Ancestors and Healing in African Spirituality:
Challenges to the Church in Africa," was developed from the papers and
discussions at the September 27-30 seminar in Johannesburg, South
Africa. 

It includes such topics as the definition of African spirituality,
ancestors and nature spirits, as well as the African Christian view
point on these issues. One of the questions posed from a Christian
perspective was what could be done so that the biblical gifts of healing
were acknowledged and practiced in the church particularly in special
services that featured praying for the sick. 

The document will be sent to congregations and theological institutions
in Africa for feedback. A revised version in light of comments received
will be presented at an LWF global consultation in 2005. The final
publication "Spiritualism as a Global Challenge to the Church: Theses
and Guidelines," based on the regional experiences, will be shared with
all LWF member churches, Rev. Dr Ingo Wulfhorst, the study coordinator
explained.

Most of the delegates felt that the seminar, although too short, had
been of great value and would have a direct bearing on the lives of a
number African Christians. Dr Reinhard Veller, lecturer at the United
Theological College in Harare, Zimbabwe, and a pastor of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe, said "the study seminar also showed that
the churches should take courage regarding their own abilities, gifts
and talents in their healing ministry."

"During this seminar we have had dialogue because we learnt to respect,
listen and understand each other," asserted diviner and healer, Dr
Nokuzola Mndende, professor of religion and theology, University of Fort
Hare, South Africa.

Wulfhorst, the DTS Study Secretary for the Church and People of Other
Faiths, said the seminar in South Africa was the fourth regional meeting
in a series that was begun in 2002 under a new LWF study program,
"Spiritualistic Movements as a Global Challenge for the Church." He
described the outcome of the regional discussions as fruitful, as the
processes had paved the way for a new level of awareness especially
about the different approaches to dialogue at the grassroots level. (646
words)

(By Johannesburg-based journalist, Elaine Dodge.)

(The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran
tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF currently has 138
member churches in 77 countries all over the world, with a membership of
nearly 65 million Lutherans. The LWF acts on behalf of its member
churches in areas of common interest such as ecumenical and inter-faith
relations, theology, humanitarian assistance, human rights,
communication, and the various aspects of mission and development work.
Its secretariat is located in Geneva, Switzerland.)

[Lutheran World Information (LWI) is the LWF's information service.
Unless specifically noted, material presented does not represent
positions or opinions of the LWF or of its various units. Where the
dateline of an article contains the notation (LWI), the material may be
freely reproduced with acknowledgment.]

*    *	   *

LWI online at: http://www.lutheranworld.org/News/Welcome.EN.html 

LUTHERAN WORLD INFORMATION
PO Box 2100, CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland
Tel: (41.22) 791.63.54
Fax: (41.22) 791.66.30 
Editor's e-mail: pmu@lutheranworld.org