By EMEAGI EMEKA WILLIAMS
As a major move to check what she called colonization in Christianity, the international President of the United Gospel Christians Association of Nigeria, UGCAN, Bishop Priscilla Otuya, has expressed concern and called for a change in the the invasive and non collaborative approaches of the Western preachers and preachers from the west.
The relentless vocal cleric made this call following a disturbing trend in Christianity that undermines and suppresses the voices and ideologies of faith leaders of Africa, while promoting those of the west.
Otuya, a serial faith based business advocate and global preacher, urged Western Christian leaders to embrace ways that enhance and sustain the sovereignty of the African Christian ideology, such she said will discourage the relegation of the rich African Christianity heritage, its diversity to the background.
According to her, the Western preachers often arrive Africa with the good intention of spreading the gospel, but in the long run adopt such modus operandi that: ‘Erode trust and credibility among African Christians :
Undermine indigenous leadership and ministry;
Encourage cultural insensitivity and disrespect; Perpetuate neo colonialism and reinforce harmful stereotypes’.
Proffering possible solutions, Bishop Otuya urged mutual respect that; recognize African leaders as equals, value their insights and expertise.
Further, she proffered partnership that supports their ministries, vision and goals; the provision of selfless supports devoid of manipulative provisos/empowerment for the sustainability of the rich African spiritual heritage and more.
Offering some guiding principles, she emphasised the need for humility that considers limitations and cultural biases, reciprocity that encourage mutual learning and exchange; accountability that enables regular assessment and adjustment of ministry approaches; sustainability to prioritize local ownership and self sufficiency.
Concluding, Otuya called on the Western preachers and preachers from the west to realise the need to allow and recognize African voices in christian global conversations, stressing that these are achievable through their conscious re appraisal of their approaches.
“There is need for honest dialogue engagement with African leaders .
“To listen to local perspectives and concerns.
“To repent from paternalistic attitudes and adopt a collaborative empowering mindset as ways to achieve global unity in christianity “, she opined.
