The Church in Africa As Salt and Light―Path to an African Ecclesiology of Abundant Life

This rich, multi-authored work addresses the future of the Christian Church in Africa, the challenges it faces, and how it must respond to them. The essays are inspired by the theme of the Second Synod on the Church in Africa which defines the identity of the Church as salt and light for the African people. The Church can become an instrument for bringing about reconciliation, justice, and peace by showing that she is the source of abundant life for God's people in this extraordinary continent. Contributors are sensitive to the pluralistic nature both of Christianity and of African societies, the meaning of Jesus and the Church in African Christianity, and the positive imprint Christianity leaves on the lives and societies of African Christians. Particular attention is paid to the Church's response to the socioeconomic and cultural challenges facing Africa in a globalized world. A vital contribution to African ecclesiology, this work will be of great interest to any reader concerned with the future of the Church in Africa, and its promise of spiritual life. Stan Chu Ilo is Assistant Professor of Religion and Education, University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto. Alex Ojacor is a professor of Religion and Associate Dean of Studies at St. Mary's National Major Seminary Ggaba in Kampala. Joseph Ogbonnaya is a scholar at the Lonergan Research Institute, Regis College, Toronto, and chaplain of the Igbo Catholic Community of Toronto. 'Given that the church is an interpretative source of theology the authors aptly anchor their thoughts on the necessity of de-Westernizing African Christianity in a manner that will bring about the realization of "God's dream for Africa." In the now vociferous call for paradigm shift in both contemporary ecclesiology and Christology this collection is both topical and seriously thought provoking.' Felix Nwatu, Professor of Systematic Theology and Dean of Theology, Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, Nigeria.