Centre for the Study of African Culture and Communication

20/03/2024

*CIWA Theology Week Conference Sparks Insightful Dialogues*

Port Harcourt, Nigeria: (Reporters: Osemhantie O, Arinze L and Famgba P)

The 33rd Theology Week Conference of the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Port Harcourt, Nigeria, has brought together prominent voices to discuss pressing issues facing the Church and society. Presentations by esteemed speakers covered topics ranging from the future of the Church to mental health concerns among young people.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Patrick Okuta dwelt on the application of canonical sanctions within the Church, emphasizing the need for equitable enforcement to address selective justice. Rev. Fr. Dr. Philip Chika Omenukwa highlighted the prophetic role of theologians and their contributions to shaping the Church's direction.

Sr. Dr. Maria Natalia Ajayi underscored the importance of addressing mental health challenges among young people, advocating for holistic pastoral care approaches. Sir Augustine Onyekweli explored the ethical implications of the Church's collaboration with artificial intelligence, offering guidelines for its responsible use.

Rev. Fr. Prof. Luke Ijezie stressed the importance of interpreting sacred scripture within cultural contexts, while Rev. Fr. Dr. Andrew Adaeyiza Otu provided insights into spiritual direction from an African perspective.

The conference continues to foster meaningful dialogues and reflections, offering valuable insights for attendees and the wider community.

20/03/2024

*Discourse on Digital Worship and Services for the Church in Africa at CIWA Theology Week Conference*

Port Harcourt, Nigeria: (CESACC REPORTERS: Osemhantie, O., Arinze, L. & Famgba P)

The Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) at her ongoing Theology Week Conference has spotlighted the salient point of “The Future of the Digital Worship for the Church in Africa.”

Presenting a paper on the topic, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Chinedu Anagwo of CIWA’s Sacred Liturgy Department explored the future of worship at a time of digital explosion within Christian churches, when the Church is no longer limited to the four walls of buildings, but encompasses faith that resonates in pixels and bytes, bridging the gap between tradition and the future.

Nevertheless, Fr. Anagwo said that while [the digital Church may be on the rise, “one should at least find time to attend physical Masses for the reception of the Holy Communion as well as other sacramental activities and exercises."

He challenged the Church in Africa, on the one hand, to equip members of the clergy as well as women and men religious with digital skills in order to enable them to take up the apostolate full time and, on the other hand, to balance the embracing of technology and the preserving of the authenticity and sincerity of spiritual practices.

19/03/2024

*Catholic Theologians Discuss African Theology in Post- _Africae Munus_ Era at CIWA Conference*

Port Harcourt, Nigeria: (CESSAC Reporters: Osemhantie O, Arinze L, & Famgba P)

On Day 2 of the ongoing 33rd Theology Week Conference of the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Port Harcourt, Nigeria, a key discussion has emerged regarding the state of African theology in the period following the release of the pivotal post-synodal apostolic exhortation, _Africae Munus_ , in 2011.

_Africae Munus_ , meaning "Africa's commitment," is the product of the Second African Synod held in Rome in 2009. The Synod focused on the theme: "The Church in Africa at the Service of Reconciliation, Justice, and Peace."

Professor Ikechukwu Anthony Kanu OSA, an Augustinian priest and professor of African philosophy and religion at the Tansian University, Umunya, Nigeria, delivered a lead paper titled, "African Theology in the Period after _Africae Munus_ " during a plenary session.

Professor Kanu challenged the Church in Africa to embrace elements within its own culture that can serve as a foundation for the Gospel message. He argued that doing so would not only enrich the universal Church but also contribute to the maturity of African theology.

"The Church's commitment to service, reconciliation, justice, and peace,” he said, “must help societies to put Christ at the center of the world and build a just social order."

To address the complex social issues faced by African societies today, Professor Kanu proposed a deeper theological approach that emphasizes how to bring about the fruits of God's kingdom in the present context. He offered two key methods for achieving this: Socio-theological analysis of Africa's social context and harnessing of Africa's resources.

By way of contextualizing his research, Professor Kanu rooted his presentation in a social sciences methodology that aligns with the Igwebuike theological framework, which emphasizes the importance of African context and experience in theological reflection.

19/03/2024

His Excellency Bishop Dabor Opens CIWA's 33rd Theology Week with Inspiring Keynote

Port Harcourt, Nigeria: (CESSAC Reporters Osemhantie O. Arinze L. & Famgba P)

The Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Port Harcourt, solemnly commenced its 33rd annual Theology Week Conference Monday, March 18, 2023. The Catholic Bishop of Zaria Diocese, His Excellency, Most Rev. Habila T. Dabor, presided over a High Mass that marked the commencement of the auspicious occasion.

Following the Mass, the Bishop blessed and formally opened CIWA’s new clinic on the Port Harcourt campus.

In his keynote address, Bishop Dabor, a member of CIWA's Governing Council, charged CIWA with “an episcopal summon” to continue to engage the challenges which they “categorized as hard but doable.” He then urged them to “please get to work and make exploits for the Gospel’s sake.”

Chaired by Dr. Guis Obaseki, this year’s conference themed, “Theology and the Future of the Church in Africa,” promises stimulating discussions.

In his thought-provoking welcome address, CIWA rector, Very. Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude Abidemi Asanbe, challenged theologians to engage in a reflective theology.

“Pope Francis’s perspective of engaging theology within the realities of our clime,” the rector said, “encourages us to be proactive in responding to our issues; rather than engaging in ‘consumerist theology’ – i.e., theology that consumes other theological perspectives.”

The rector concluded his address by noting that a theologian is the one who responds and not reacts. “This is what CIWA continues to bring to the Church in Africa,” Fr. Prof. Asanbe said. “We observe, we discuss, and we respond.”

The week-long program will culminate on Friday, March 22, in a vibrant Culture Day celebration, showcasing the richness of West Africa’s traditions.

19/03/2024

CIWA Theology Conference Examines the Universality and Particularity of Fiducia Supplicans

Port Harcourt, Nigeria: (CESSAC REPORTERS: Osemhantie, O., Arinze, L. & Famgba P)

At the ongoing 33rd Theology Week Conference at the Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Professor Ikenga Kenneth Oraegbunam delivered a lead paper titled, “The Church in Africa and _Fiducia Supplicans_ : Between Ecclesial Universality and Peculiarity.”

Professor Oraegbunam's presentation explored the tensions between centralized Church authority and the needs of local communities, particularly in light of the Declaration on the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith on 18 December 2023.

_Fiducia Supplicans_ has received mixed reactions from African bishops' conferences, noted Professor Oraegbunam of the Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. The document, while not an official papal decree, has the Holy Father’s approval and incorporates consultation with the wider Church community.

Professor Oraegbunam highlighted how this approach has reignited discussions on Papal Infallibility, the concept of universal versus particular faith experiences, and the balance between faith and cultural practices.

05/06/2023

Congratulations

03/06/2023