Life and the Renewal of the Christian Community: Infant Baptism and Inculturation in the Context of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

This thesis is part of the liturgical inculturation process that has been taking place in the local Church of the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the 1960s, one of whose treasured expressions is the Roman Missal for the Dioceses of Zaïre, an inculturated ritual of Mass. In this work, I aim to contribute to extending the special rite for the Dioceses of Zaïre to include the celebration of infant Baptism. I use a hermeneutical method and an anthropological model of contextual theology to interpret and analyze the foundations of the Roman Rite for the Dioceses of Zaire, the Church’s doctrine of infant Baptism, and local Congolese customs surrounding the birth of a child, to develop a theological-liturgical basis for a Congolese inculturated infant Baptism Rite. infant Baptism and the reception of a newborn child in Congolese culture engage the whole community. The Baptism of a child is a celebration that reconnects the community to nature, its ancestors, and to God. It marks a renewal of the whole Christian community

African Spirituality for Ecological Conversion: The Case of Mining in the Western Region of Ghana

Gold mining in the Western Region of Ghana poses a major dilemma. On the one hand, it serves as a great source of revenue for the region and the country at large. It also provides employment for millions of people. On the other hand, indiscriminate gold mining methods destroy ecological resources like land, water, and air, as well as the quality of life of people in the region. Consequently, the negative impacts of these environmentally hostile practices challenge us to re-evaluate our relationship with the environment. It is a call not to see the environment and its resources as something to be exploited for selfish benefits. Rather, it is an invitation to cultivate a relationship of responsibility toward the environment. Therefore, we have a duty to be stewards of the whole of God’s creation by fostering care for the environment in the Western Region. My main argument in this thesis is that some gold mining methods employed in the Western Region, such as using toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide, which destroy the environment, are an undeniable case of ecological sin. As such, there is a need for ecological conversion to reverse the situation. I argue further that African ecological spirituality offers the resources needed for ecological conversion. The values of abundant life, community, and interconnectedness of creation which are key components of African ecological spirituality, are powerful tools for caring for the environment. The exemplarist approach to virtue demonstrates how real-life people influence others through their life and examples to become role models. I use this approach to show how we can all be inspired to become stewards of the environment by interiorizing the values of African ecological spirituality. I propose the observation of a national day of prayer for the earth, enforcement of the Ghana Minerals and Mining Act, promoting and supporting eco-sustainable practices in gold mining, diversification of the economy, and promoting ecological education as practical ways of being moral exemplars of stewardship of the environment

Towards a Holistic Reconciliation in Africa

Reconciliation is a relevant topic in the world and especially in Africa, which has a thirst for peace and justice, yet is plagued by ongoing crises. Many African countries have tried to build social trust for a living together. On the Church's side, Catholic Social Teaching, through Africae Munus, clearly articulates Africa's thirst for reconciliation, justice, and peace. Various African church leaders and laypeople have been engaged in the reconciliation and conflict transformation in Africa. Even though some progress has been made, people are still disappointed at the ongoing violence and social injustice in many parts of the continent. This disappointment expresses the need for holistic reconciliation. This thesis examines what it means to work for holistic reconciliation in Africa. The guiding question of this thesis is threefold: What are the root causes of the status quo of reconciliation in Africa? How does the Church articulate the idea of reconciliation? How can African Traditional religion help to build a holistic reconciliation in Africa? To answer these questions, this thesis argues that the Church should not take a neutral stance in the reconciliation processes but take the side of justice in requiring and creating structural change. African Traditional Religion (ATR) combined with CST is an alternate way of overcoming the status quo that people are experiencing in Africa. The first part unveils the reconciliation practices in Africa; the second part assesses Catholic Social Teaching, and the third part suggests ATR and some moral exemplars to overcome the status quo

The Nigerian Tiv Concept of Ya Na Angbian: As a Corrective to the Misinterpretation of Subdue and Have Dominion in Genesis 1:26

have been practicing since the pre-colonial period. The social-political philosophy promotes justice, fairness, harmony, and peace through a fair and equitable distribution of what belongs to the Tiv people. This thesis argues that the Ya na angbian concept of the Tiv people can be applied to the relationship between human and non-human beings. This work maintains that it can lead to human beings’ care for non-human nature. The first outstanding conclusion of this research is that the Ya na angbian social-political philosophy can correct misunderstanding and misinterpretation of Gen 1:26. The second conclusion is that the command by God to humankind to subdue and have dominion over other creatures is not an invitation to exploit non-human nature but to care for it. I have concluded that a fair and justice relationship between humans and non-human beings will benefit all God’s creatures. An honest and just relationship between humans and non-humans will lead to peace, harmony, and progress. God’s command that humans care for other creatures must be kept to protect our planet. A proper understanding of the fact of humankind’s same origin as non-human human beings and the interconnectedness of all creatures will lead to care for nature. The planet is made for all God’s creatures and not only human beings

Cultivating Social Media Technomoral Virtues: Toward A Moral-Character Education for African Youth

Young Africans generally go on social media to socialize and make friends. Unfortunately, the misuse of social media leads to ethical issues among young people. Deterrent measures by governments, parents and educators remain ineffective. Therefore, the education of youth to cultivate the necessary virtues can help them to use social media for a flourishing life. I argue that virtues of self-control, respect, responsibility, empathy and integrity should be cultivated for the heathy use of social media. In fact, the ‘technomoral virtues’ developed by Shannon Vallor, can address the vices related to the use of social media. To cultivate these virtues in the African context, it is crucial to have a moral education that takes into account the two main cultures that influence African youth; the African culture and the Western culture. Thus, the intercultural education of the moral character of the youth has two main articulations; the family-based moral character-education and the and the school-based moral character education. intercultural moral-character education model that uses methods derived from African moral-character education and the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics Character Education Framework. The intercultural moral-character education model involves all the educators, particularly parents and teachers

Biblical and African Proverbs as a Framework for Studying Spirituality: Exploring the Role of Roverbs among the Gῖkữyữ People of Kenya

When we hear of proverbs, we tend to think of pithy sayings that are witty and memorable. Proverbs are found in many cultures, and naturally, proverbs form part of the Bible. Biblical and African proverbs can contribute to nourishing the Christian life and its reflection. Acquisition of wisdom and knowledge through proverbs can bring a person to awareness of how God reveals God’s self—helping a person to be more attuned to self, others, and the environment around them. The Book of Proverbs offers a source of reflection for the church traditions, while African proverbs offer great resources for reflecting the people's lived experiences. The biblical and African proverbs use metaphors, images, and languages that connect to people in a personal way, and challenging them to reflect deeply are great resources for reflecting on discernment. This thesis examines how cultural values expressed through proverbs can contribute to enriching Christian Spirituality. The goal is to demonstrate how the lived experience expressed through various proverbs can help us appreciate the wisdom found in Ignatius of Loyola’s understanding of discernment. This thesis seeks to put a cross a contextualized cultural wisdom, in this case, the Gῖkũyu people of Central Kenya in dialogue with Biblical wisdom expressed through the Book of Proverbs to highlight the key elements found in Ignatius of Loyola’s process of discernment

Preservation and Conservation Practices at Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service

Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service as the official custodian of public archives has a responsibility to acquire and preserve public archives and make them accessible to users.The public archives form a valuable part of Kenya’s documentary heritage and preservation which involves conservation is the means by which their survival is ensured for enduring access.However, it has been observed that some of the archives when acquired are already old and in poor condition while most of the archives which are acquired in good condition deteriorate when in the custody of KNADS due to ineffective preservation and conservation practices. The aim of this study was to assess the preservation and conservation practices at KNADS with a view to developing a strategy for promoting a systematic approach to preservation and conservation of archival materials for long-term usability.The specific objectives of the study were to: establish the diversity of archival materials and their formats at KNADS; establish the effectiveness of preservation and conservation practices at KNADS; determine appropriateness of methods and tools for preservation and conservation at KNADS; identify challenges encountered in preservation and conservation of archival materials at KNADS andPropose a strategy for promoting a systematic approach to preservation and conservation at KNADS. The study was informed by the delta plan model of preventive conservation and the simple property-oriented threat model for risk assessment.The study employed descriptive research design and adopted a qualitative approach with purposive sampling technique being used to identify respondents. Data was collected from a sample size of 45 respondents using interview method and observation as data collection methods.Data analysis was done and presented descriptively using descriptions and explanations in form of text. The findings of the study were that: KNADS collection comprised of a diversity of archival materials in various formats; preservation and conservation practices were insufficient and inadequate leading to deterioration of archival materials; preservation and conservation infrastructure was inadequate and inappropriate. This was mainly attributed to inadequate funding which contributed significantly to lack of important and crucial resources.The study concluded that preservation and conservation practices at KNADS were not effective in protecting archival materials for enduring access. The study recommends that KNADS should: seek for adequate funding; modernize the conservation section; establish best practice standards; undertake annual stocktaking and preservation surveys. The study has also developed a strategy, which if adopted by KNADS should improve preservation and conservation of archival materials

Liturgical Music as an Invitation to Transformation

According to Vatican II, liturgical music is a kind of music that is written for the celebration of divine worship. It is the kind of music appropriate for liturgy. Such music is supposedly endowed with qualities that are proper to liturgy, such as, sanctity, goodness of form, universality and holiness. This has the aim of sharing in the overall goal of the liturgy, which is, the glorification of God, and the sanctification and edification of the faithful. Liturgical music clothes with suitable melody and harmony the liturgical text proposed for the understanding of the faithful. Henceforth, it adds greater efficacy to that text making it more inspiring, captivating, and well understood. Consequently, the faithful will supposedly get inspired and better disposed to receive the benefits of the grace proper to the celebration of the holy mysteries. This will presumably result to a transformed liturgical subject. However, this has not been the case since experience shows that beautifully sung liturgies have not produced transformed liturgical subjects. This is to say that liturgical music seem to have failed in its auxiliary role in bringing about the anticipated transformation. On the contrary, in this research paper, we argue that liturgical music is capable bringing about transformation to the faithful. This means that the liturgical music endowed with the right lyrical content, structure and form, representation and imitation, has the power to bring about transformation to the liturgical subject. In addition, proper aids, such as, a well-executed and captivating homily, openness of the liturgical subject to receive the transformative power of liturgical music, among others, is crucial. Finally the Holy Spirit, the principal initiator of transformation, will complete the transformative effect on the liturgical subject, and, collectively and communally, will bring about a transformed society

Rites of Transition: Death and Burial as a Basis for Inculturation in Tiv Culture, Benue, Nigeria

The preliminary question is, how far are Tiv traditional rites of death and burial compatible with Christian, specifically Catholic, rites? Is it possible for a baptized Catholic who is a polygamist or a baptized woman who is traditionally married but whose marriage is not blessed in the Catholic Church to be accorded a Catholic burial by the Catholic clergy? By Catholic burial, we mean the celebration of the Holy Mass, which prepares the departed soul to meet God, and the farewell prayers that are a source of consolation to the grieved members of the family; rather than a Catholic service conducted by a catechist or another lay minister as it is happening in Tiv Christian communities today. Thus, this thesis will discuss the theological-philosophical beliefs about life, death, and the hereafter in Tiv culture as a starting point for religious inculturation between Christianity and Tiv culture. Both Christian and Tiv rites believe in a Supreme Being who is the Creator of the universe, the author and finisher of life. The rites from Tiv and Christianity affirmed that death does not end life; rather, death extends life. The dead person returns to God and continues to dwell with God forever. The burial rites in both Tiv and Christianity support this claim. Thus, we will argue that based on the similarities of burial rites between Christianity and Tiv culture, inculturation of burial rites is possible. Put differently, inculturation of burial rites between Christianity and Tiv culture must wear the garment of marriage. In marriage, there must be mutual agreement, understanding, tolerance and acceptance of one's behaviour and cultural values, such as language, food, dressing, etc. If one party is dominating the marriage, there will be tension, conflict, misunderstanding and sometimes disappointingly, violence. If Western Christian values are imposed on Africans at the expense of African values and traditions, the conflict between Christianity and African cultures will be inevitable just as it is in some mixed marriages. Therefore, we will recommend that Christianity should accommodate some of the burial rites in Tiv culture that are fused with Christian rites of transition, particularly Catholicism, for effective evangelization in Tiv land that is largely polygamous. These actions will demonstrate a sign of respect for the Tiv culture and a true spirit of inculturation between Christianity and the Tiv culture. In this way, the Tiv people will be true Christians and truly Tiv, by embracing Christian values and still practising their Tiv culture. If not, many Tiv will continue to practice Christianity on Sundays and Tiv religious practices on weekdays as is happening amongst many Tiv Christians today. Inculturation of burial rites in Tiv culture by Christian agents, that is the clergy and the laity, should not be undermined, taken for granted, or swept under the carpet. In failing to adhere to our recommendation of inculturation of rites of transition in Tiv culture by Christian agents, Christianity will sooner or later decline massively in Tiv land

Women Economic Strategies in Patriarchal Bargains in Informal Mining Sector: A Case of Migori County, Kenya.

Women are key participants in Informal mining globally and their contribution continues to be under recognized and opportunities accorded to them are unequal to those available to men. However, despite the challenges women face within informal mining, they are looking for ways to bargain with patriarchy within the mining work and increase their economic gains. For women in ASM in Migori, the kind of strategies they apply to achieve this is important. 86 sample units were selected from Nyatike, Rongo and Masara mining areas in Migori County to understand the situation of female informal miners and economic strategies they were employing. Respondents in the study comprised both male and female miners, local government officials and key stakeholders including mining association officials and officials from non-governmental organizations. The study made use of purposive and snowball sampling in reaching the respondents. Data was collected using mixed research methodology where 65 questionnaires were distributed; and 9 key informant interviews and 2 focused group discussions conducted. The findings revealed that women were indeed looking for economic strategies to employ so as to negotiate with existing male domination and benefit more from Artisanal and Small scale mining. The women in their bargains had to build cordial relationships with male miners to get access to the ore and also get work opportunities in processing tasks. The women additionally formed saving groups to allow them access to more funds to use to buy ore and make other investments within the mining work. Some of the women also were involved in risky behavior like prostitution as a strategy to bargain and gain more from mining. In few cases some women were also investing in purchase of equipment like crushers that allowed them better returns than the other processing roles. It was evident from the study that the financial, training and agency support women were receiving from the government and nongovernmental organizations was minimal