The church and its theological reflection in light of reform agenda in Africa

Abstract

I. Introduction: Christianity deeply rooted in Africa but facing challenges. Christianity as a religious phenomenon in Africa traces its roots to the time of the apostles. It is neither a recent happening nor a byproduct of colonialism. Egypt's shore, for example, saw the church flourishing under their church leaders and theologians who were pillars of the universal church.1 The rise of theological schools in Carthage and Alexandria with Cyprian and Tertullian gave the church its doctrinal stance.2 Even with the rise of Islam, the history of Christian presence in Africa began like a drop in the ocean but later flooded the whole continent. Of lasting influence were the numerous missionary works that followed the footsteps of pathfinders like David Livingstone3 and Vasco D Gama.4 The result of such endeavors was Christianity becoming part of the landscape of the continent.5 Today, Christianity has become a majority religion in most countries south of the Sahara.