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Mercy Under A Boundary: Toward A Spirituality Of Safeguarding In African Church Life
Introduction In March 2025, I was privileged to be one of the presenters at the Theology and Canon Law project (TCLP) Symposium in London under the theme — “Law & Religion in Times of Crisis, Challenges and Change.” As usual, my paper focused on the socio-religious injustice of witchcraft abuses and violence against societies’ most vulnerable, with the title — “Law, Religion, and Crisis: The Weaponisation of Witchcraft Accusations Against Older Women in Three African Countries.” That same day, I developed a new interest in the spirituality of safeguarding when I heard it from Dr Helen Costigane, one of the symposium’s keynote speakers. Her paper was titled “Law and religion:…
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Between True Hope and Empty Promises: Navigating Miraculous Claims in Pentecostal Leadership
Introduction “The language of hope and the ethos of amazement have been partly forfeited because they are an embarrassment. The language of hope and the ethos of amazement have been partly squelched because they are a threat.”[1] Walter Brueggermann’s above statement suggests today’s culture stifles expressions of hope and wonder, hindering growth and appreciation for life. His stance resonates with this essay, which explores the impact of false hope perpetuated by some Pentecostal pastors in Nigeria on pastoral practice and congregational life. This issue presents a significant ethical and existential dilemma within the movement. As Ebenezer Obadare illustrates in Pastoral Power, Clerical State, bereaved families often seek miraculous interventions from…
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Ethical Intersections: Practical Theology’s Response to Harmful Beliefs
“How many witches have you killed today?” This provocative question is often directed at Agnes, referencing her daily prayers, which she believes ward off or eliminate unseen malevolent forces. Her practice is not mere superstition but, as described by Martin Fishbein and Icek Ajzen,[1] the culmination of beliefs shaped through her experiences. Agnes represents a segment of the Nigerian diaspora that maintains beliefs that appear to lack existential values and morality. The environment we inhabit significantly influences how we present ourselves and interact with others, as we unconsciously adjust our behaviour through gestures, tone of voice, and even movement speed. However, when individuals such as Agnes find themselves in environments…
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Pastoral Ethics and Belief Baggage: A Critical Look at Animal Symbolism in Witchcraft
Introduction One for sorrow, Two for joy, Three for a girl… So begins the old British rhyme about magpies. I would have dismissed this as silly superstition, but for my experience one spring afternoon in 2014. I was writing in my studio in North London, seated at a desk facing the window. Outside, a magpie nestled on a big tree facing my direction and stayed there all day. In time, it moved to other branches but did not fly away. Occasionally, I looked up, hoping it was no longer there, but it stayed put, still staring in my direction. The following morning, I was back at my desk, and…
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When Christian Fasting Turns into Child Abuse
Introduction In late April and until end of May 2023, national and international media reported at least two hundred and twenty-seven bodies of children and adults discovered in shallow graves in a forest near Shakahola village of Magarini Constituency, Kenya.[1] The victims died from the religious directions given by Pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, a taxi driver-turned-founder of the Good News International Church, that they must fast to death in order to meet Jesus. Those rescued were beyond recognition because of their emaciated conditions. Fundamental questions remain regarding the classification of religious movements. The issue now arises whether Makenzie’s organisation is a Neo-Pentecostal church or cult group, as it has now…
