African Catholicism 2.0

Africa set to be largest Catholic continent by 2050.

A major conference titled 'African Christian Theology: Memories and Mission for the 21st Century' took place in Rome from 22nd-25th March, 2017. The gathering reflected on the origins of African theology while also setting out a 21st century vision. It was attended by African cardinals and bishops aswell as many priests and religious from across the continent. The conference took place against a backdrop of Africa becoming the largest Catholic continent within one generation. Last weekend's event in Rome was reported to have been the largest gathering of African Catholic leaders in the Italian capital since the second Synod of Bishops for Africa took place in 2009, which was addressed by Sr. Felicia Harry, OLA Superior General. 

Nigeria and Tanzania in 'Top 10'

Last September, the Catholic Herald newspaper estimated that Africa had 'a couple of million Catholics' at the turn of the 20th century. Thanks to the zeal of the early European missionaries, one hundred years later this figue had risen to one hundred and thirty million. Today there are almost two hundred million Catholics in Africa. The UK based publication reported in the same edition that there will be four hundred and sixty million African Catholics by the year 2050. Nigeria and Tanzania are expected to feature on the 'World Top 10' list of Catholic populations within the next twenty years.

Conference summary

According to John L. Allen Jr. of Crux - the Catholic news site, 'African Catholicism has passed out of childhood and adolescence into adulthood and is ready to enter a new phase.' The same writer went on to outline three main points from the event in Rome:

• Against the backdrop of large number of priests and religious now serving outside Africa, the African church has a contribuition to make 'not just in Africa but to the entire world and universal church.'
• Honesty and self-criticism: A more confident African church has resulted in Church leaders being less defensive compared to the past regarding topics such as the limited role that women play in the African Church.
• Increasing acknowledgement of the 'good' within Islam and Pentecostalism where peaceful co-existence is the 'norm' and violence being the exception.

Mr. Allen concluded:

“ 'African Catholicism 2.0' would appear to profile as more self-confident, more honest about itself, and less given to snap judgments about the other.

"Given all that the 1.0 version has accomplished, including shaping the most dynamic and enthusiastic Catholic community anywhere in the world, it’ll be fascinating indeed to track how the 2.0 version plays out."

First African Superior General

The OLA Sisters were founded in 1876 to be of service to the Gospel particularly with the people of Africa. Today, the Sisters have a presence in twelve African countries. The current Superior General of the OLA Sisters is Sr. Felicia Harry. The Ghana native became the first African Superior General of the Congregation in July 2008

Her interest and passion is in the area of education of the girl-child, women empowerment and justices for the under-privileged and the marginalised in society. She has attended several national and international Conferences, which seek to respond to the needs and dignity of women in society.

At the second Synod for African Bishops held at the Vatican in October 2009, Sr. Felicia addressed the assembly on the place of women in the African church.

Women wait paitently to greet Pope Francis during his visit to Nairobi, Kenya in November 2015. Image courtesy of www.telegraph.co.uk.

Click here to read the 'African Catholicism 2.0 article in full.

Click here for the Catholic Hearld article on the history and future of Catholicism in Africa.

Click here for a profile on Sr. Felicia Harry.