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African Theology Has “to be the yeast of society”, Jesuit Bishop in Kenya Emphasizes Value of Theology that Transforms

Credit: Hekima University College (HUC)

African theology has to bring about societal transformation if it has to be true to its mission, a Kenya-based Bishop, who is a member of the Society of Jesus (SJ/Jesuits) has said.

Speaking at the Jesuits’ Hekima University College (HUC) in Nairobi, Kenya, Bishop Rodrigo Mejía Saldarriaga described theology as “the yeast of society” and an important driver of cultural transformation

“The mission of African theology is to be the yeast of society – to change African cultures, African societies, and transform them with the values of the Kingdom of God,” the Apostolic Vicar emeritus of Ethiopia’s Soddo Vicariate said during the January 29 conference that was organized under the theme, “The Future of African Theology in a Continent Longing for a New World Order.” 

Bishop Rodrigo explained, “The yeast transforms the dough. It is small and appears powerless, but it transforms the whole when it is applied.”

To embody the image of the yeast, the Nairobi-based Catholic Church leader said, “The response can be formulated simply: evangelization. The power we have is not political, social, or financial. Our power is the Gospel; it is evangelization.”

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The Colombian-born Jesuit Bishop emphasized the need to align theology with the mission of evangelization in Africa. He lamented, “Even in theology, we have not produced theology for evangelization but for teaching theology, becoming doctors of theology, or obtaining diplomas in theology. The evangelized are in parishes, while theologians remain in the academy. This is a divorce.”

“The Church evangelizes when she seeks to convert, solely through the divine power of the message she proclaims, both the personal and collective consciences of people, the activities in which they engage, and the lives and concrete milieu which are theirs,” he said referring to December 1975 Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi, which he termed a key document on evangelization.

The Catholic Church leader, who was at the helm of Soddo Vicariate since his Episcopal Consecration in March 2007 till his retirement in January 2014 said that evangelization must lead to transformation that “seeks to transform society from within.”

“To evangelize is to transform, not only to instruct or preach but to change people’s minds,” he emphasized.

The January 29 conference aimed to critically explore theology’s role in addressing Africa’s pressing challenges while bridging the gap between spiritual ideals and real-world issues. It emphasized the relevance of theology in fostering a just, inclusive, and transformative society.

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In his opening remarks, the Principal of HUC, Fr. Marcel Uwineza, said the event explored the vital connections between faith, politics, justice, and healing, demonstrating African theology’s capacity to serve as a prophetic force in reshaping societal structures.

Speaking at the same event, the Catholic Bishop of Nigeria’s Sokoto Diocese, underlined the need to restore Africa’s identity and develop a theology that reflects everyday experiences of her people.

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, who presented the topic, “Why the Church Cannot Be Spectators,” urged the people of God in Africa to be active participants in the societal issues. 

“We can no longer remain passive observers in Africa’s political, social, and economic development. Justice must be at the heart of our approach to politics, theology, and social engagement,” Bishop Kukah said. 

He called upon the people of God in Africa to emulate St. John Paul II who he said influenced his perspective by the way he shattered “the illusion of disengagement and demonstrated that political participation in a dysfunctional society is imperative.”

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“A remarkable example of this was his influence in Poland; he never explicitly directed people on whom to vote for, yet his teachings on solidarity ultimately shaped a political movement. This underscores the point that political innocence is no longer a valid excuse for inaction,” said the vocal Nigerian Catholic Bishop, who is also known for good governance advocacy.

He added, “The Catholic Church, with its 2,000-year history of addressing societal challenges, has the capacity to drive meaningful change. The key is to harness this wisdom effectively.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.