Christianity should blend with African customs
The recent statement by Catholic Church head John Cardinal Njue on attempts by various groups from the Agikuyu community to revive their customs and traditions is misinformed.
Specifically, I am referring to accusations that have been levelled against the Gwata Ndai Cultural Association.
For the uninitiated (no pun intended) “Gwata Ndai” is a Gikuyu phrase used in playing the game of riddles. It is the equivalent of the Swahili “kitendawili”.
Please note that I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, a spokesman for these cultural groupings.
However, I am compelled to comment on this issue because I fear the risk of demonising initiatives that are noble.
I am a child of both worlds. On one hand, I was brought up by dyed in the wool Catholic parents, and even did a long stint as an altar boy.
I’m also married to a staunch Catholic, and we have brought up our children deeply in the faith.
On the other hand, I have also been immersing myself in the Agikuyu traditional culture, as a way of discovering our true identity. I follow many of the ongoing activities by various Agikuyu cultural groups on social media.
Now, Njue could have forgotten that the African Bible is a project of the Catholic Church, aimed at creating a more afro-centric gospel, devoid of the irrelevant Roman and Jewish traditions embedded in Christianity.
Based on this alone, I believe the progressive Pope Francis would also differ with His Eminence.
A lot of information that has been hidden from people for eons is now coming to light in today’s era of information.
In light of constantly emerging new knowledge, people are asking themselves tough questions about creeds and doctrines that have been previously held as immutable.
In my journalistic work, and as part of my personal efforts in helping to revive the African essence, I have interviewed the top leaders of the Kikuyu Council of Elders Association.
The council is one of the cultural groupings positioning themselves as the voices of the present and future of the community.
The top brass of the council have categorically stated that cultural rites like female circumcision can no longer be practiced.
The dynamism of culture dictates that some customs fall by the wayside as a community evolves. However, I will not say the same of all the other Agikuyu cultural groups that I belong to.
Njue must admit that the church he leads also has its fair share of shortcomings, both within the clergy and laity.
Scandals aside, I have heard Protestants claim categorically that we (Catholics), are also a cult.
Let us have dialogue between religious faith and customs. For example, dialogue between the West and Islam has helped to reduce stereotypes that Islam advocates terrorism, a notion that had taken root due to the fact that almost all terrorists ascribe to the faith.
One would really have expected Njue to use the opportunity to give guidance to the youth, rather than condemning Gwata Ndai group in totality.
If the Catholic Church in the country is scared about its followers defecting to Gwata Ndai due to its dogma, may be it is the Church that needs to do some serious soul searching of its status.
Moreover, Gwata Ndai should lobby the State for funding. According The Constitution of Kenya Chapter 11, 2A, “The State shall promote all forms of national and cultural expression through literature, the arts, traditional celebrations, science, communication, information, mass media, publications, libraries and other cultural heritage”.
However, all leaders of these groups must portray a sense of vision and responsibility and, at whatever cost, ensure that their members do not abuse this newfound light. —The writer is a communication expert, and public policy analyst. [email protected]
