Nairobi — A new theological journal, Africa Challenge: All Africa Journal of Theology, which aims to help African theologians articulate theological issues from the African point of view, was launched here on March 6.

The new journal is the collaborative work of the All Africa Conference of Churches AACC and the Conference of African Theological Institutions CATI. The English edition preceded the French edition which, publishers say, would be circulated soon.

The AACC President Prof Kwesi Dickson, speaking during the launch, hoped the new journal would live up to its stated aim of helping African theologians articulate theological issues, from the local situations.

He emphasised that theology was all about the teaching of the ordinary life of the people thus dismissing "some myths that teachers of theology were special people".

"Since theology is about the ordinary life, all of us can be theologians. We can teach theology in one way or the other," Dickson said.

The General Secretary of CATI, Dr Douglas Waruta expressed the need for churches to stress ecumenism in the pastoral mission.

He observed that in the early years of independence in Africa, the Church in the continent focused on ecumenism. "But this is not the case today".

The theologian further noted that there was presently a lot of fragmentation in the Church arena. He cited poverty as the biggest threat to development, adding that it was "mother of all the problems of the continent".

Waruta also pointed out that Africa was in dire need for Christian teaching that would embrace the entire family.

In the foreword, Waruta and collaborative editor Rev Arnold Temple (AACC), regret that Africa is endowed with "ancient and tested wisdom, a vibrant and life-enhancing spirituality and enormous natural and human resources (yet her people) continue to wallow in intolerable suffering and hopelessness".

The AACC President said the journal was the culmination of theological endeavour which involved the AACC in the organisation of seminars, conferences and the production of publications, aimed at enabling the Church of Christ to think through its raison d'etre in order for it to be a more effective instrument for service.

In his message, Dickson said the journal was the culmination of theological endeavour which involved the AACC in the organisation of seminars, conferences and the production of publications, aimed at enabling the Church of Christ to think through its raison d'etre in order for it to be a more effective instrument for service.

Prof A.B.T Byaruhanga-Akiiki, the chairman of CATI said "our joy and hope is the great faith our people have in the God of creation and their persistent clinging to their spiritual resources even when situations looks hopeless".

AACC General Secretary Rev Canon Clement Janda said the journal published by AACC Theology Desk in conjunction with the Conference of African Theological Institutions was "a contribution to our continent, which yearns for quality publications". ?

Reported by Osman Njuguna in Nairobi - All inquiries about the new journal should be addressed to Editor, All Africa Journal Of Theology, AACC, P.O Box 14205, Westlands, NAIROBI, Kenya : E-mail Theology@insightkenya.com