Mobilising Religious Assets for Social Transformation: A Theology of Decolonial Reconstruction Perspective on the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs (MNGRA) in Zambia

Abstract

The article argues for a theology of decolonial reconstruction to aid the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs (MNGRA) in its search for a new political vision for Zambian society. The MNGRA was established in 2017 by President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to strengthen the Declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation. The second republican President Frederick JT Chiluba declared Zambia a Christian nation (hereafter, the Declaration) on 29 December 1991. In 1996, the Declaration was enshrined in the preamble of the National Constitution. Zambian Pentecostalism, perceived as chief architect and guardian of the Declaration, is also believed to have masterminded the introduction of the MNGRA. A female Pentecostal Pastor, Hon. Rev. Godfridah Sumaili, in fact heads the ministry. One of the key roles of the MNGRA is to stimulate faith-based organizations and religious communities' interest, support and participation in pursuit of social reconstruction and transformation of the nation. To this effect, MNGRA has deployed a methodology, which seeks to dialogue with these organizations and at the same time use a 'top-bottom' approach to promote religious morality in the process of social reconstruction and transformation. This article argues that, being a ministry with a strong conservative Christian orientation, MNGRA is in danger of falling prey to a Pentecostal demo-theocratic (democratic and theocratic) political paradigm which rejects certain human rights, religious pluralism, and knowledge constructions from other religions, which are perceived inferior. The article also analyses the viability of 'top-bottom' approach utilizing a theology of decolonial reconstruction. This approach embraces a pluralistic model of integral religious praxis at all levels of life.

The Logic of Hatred: Pentecostal Normativity in Political Public Spheres in Zambia

“…Many pentecostals have made it clear that "discussions on pervasive sexuality such as homosexuality, lesbianism, transgender [and others] are not welcome because such practices are illegal and an abomination in a Christian nation." 22 Homosexuality is "a rebellion against God" 23 and Zambians "must guard against such foreign influences as they pose a risk of disturbing our social [fiber] as a Christian nation." 24 The Christian nation is symbol of destructive hatred.…”

Democracy, Peace, and Religion in Nigeria: Can Religion Be Used to Consolidate or Undermine Democracy and Peace?

“…Robinson (2020) and Yadav (2021) also contend that within the problem of religion in undermining democratic values, ideals, and peace, especially in a transition state like Nigeria, it is important to state that not all religions water down the values of peace and democracy. Undermining the democratic ideals in society can be attributed to certain aspects and dynamics within the Nigerian political space leveraged upon by selfish political actors that lead to heightened political and religious tensions in the polity (Kaunda and Kaunda 2018;Salau 2020).…”

'The Emptied Authority': African Neo-Pentecostalism, Modernisation of Sacred Authority and Gendered and Sexualised Constructions of Violence

“…Casanova (2013) classifies this process as de-confessionalisation, individualisation, and pluralisation of religious authority. In contemporary Africa, this process also threatens the ideals of equality, equity, as well as social and gender justice, as pastors can autonomously decide what they perceive to be valuable for their congregation and call for rejection of, and public resistance against certain human rights such as sexual minorities rights perceived to be in conflict with their interpretations of the Bible (Kaunda & Kaunda 2018). Indeed, individuation of sacred authority is registered in the "flux and mix, diversity, fragmentation, multiple identities, post-modernity, and hybridity" (Meyer 2010:113) among neo-Pentecostalism.…”