Religion and Development in Zambia: The Role of the Roman Catholic Church in the Political Development of Zambia: 1890-1964
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Dec 31, 2013
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Abstract
Studies on the public role of religion in Zambia have largely concentrated on
the history of Christianity in the third republic when political expressions of
religious beliefs became more apparent. Christianity was firmly embedded in
the Zambian society at independence and its mission-educated leaders fully
understood the importance of the consent and blessings of the churches (Ter
Haar 1992) This article explores the role of the Roman Catholic Church in
Zambia’s political independence (1890 to 1964). This is because the
impression that Christian missionaries (henceforth simply referred to as
missionaries) in Africa supported colonial rule is pervasive and historians as
well as students of mission history seem to have taken it for granted that
missionaries were agents of colonialism. Using a qualitative document
review approach that thematically analyzes the relevant data, the article
shows that the Catholic Church, which from the 1990s to the present has
been championing human rights and democracy in Africa, is not exempted
from this ‘charge’. As Haynes (1996:53) pointed out, ‘mainstream Christian
bodies were initially opposed to, then skeptical and finally won round to the
idea of African independence’.
The article positions the Roman Catholic Church in the political
affairs of Zambia amid its apolitical claims. The article advances the
argument that the Church contributed to Zambia’s political development
(here taken to mean the emergence of national sovereignty) directly and
indirectly through the provision of education, health and pastoral services
and the publication of pastoral letters though not to say it never erred. The
article further points out the lost opportunities for the Church and draws
lessons for 21st century Zambia.
the history of Christianity in the third republic when political expressions of
religious beliefs became more apparent. Christianity was firmly embedded in
the Zambian society at independence and its mission-educated leaders fully
understood the importance of the consent and blessings of the churches (Ter
Haar 1992) This article explores the role of the Roman Catholic Church in
Zambia’s political independence (1890 to 1964). This is because the
impression that Christian missionaries (henceforth simply referred to as
missionaries) in Africa supported colonial rule is pervasive and historians as
well as students of mission history seem to have taken it for granted that
missionaries were agents of colonialism. Using a qualitative document
review approach that thematically analyzes the relevant data, the article
shows that the Catholic Church, which from the 1990s to the present has
been championing human rights and democracy in Africa, is not exempted
from this ‘charge’. As Haynes (1996:53) pointed out, ‘mainstream Christian
bodies were initially opposed to, then skeptical and finally won round to the
idea of African independence’.
The article positions the Roman Catholic Church in the political
affairs of Zambia amid its apolitical claims. The article advances the
argument that the Church contributed to Zambia’s political development
(here taken to mean the emergence of national sovereignty) directly and
indirectly through the provision of education, health and pastoral services
and the publication of pastoral letters though not to say it never erred. The
article further points out the lost opportunities for the Church and draws
lessons for 21st century Zambia.
Article Details
How to Cite
Mwale, N. (2013). Religion and Development in Zambia: The Role of the Roman Catholic Church in the Political Development of Zambia: 1890-1964. Alternation Journal, (11), 110-133. Retrieved from https://journals.ukzn.ac.za/index.php/soa/article/view/405
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Hopkins University Press.
Bryne, Thomas. 1983. Integral Development. Ndola: NP.
Carmody, Brendan 1992. Conversion and Jesuit Schooling in Zambia.
Leiden: EJ Brill.
Carmody, Brendan 2008. The Voice of the Catholic Church in Zambian
Politics. In the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflections Reader -
Church and State No.1.
Carmody, Brendan 1992. Jesuit Mission School: Ally of Zambian
Nationalism? Zambia Journal of History 5: 37 - 57.
Cheyeka, Austin 2009. Towards a History of Charismatic Churches in Postcolonial
Zambia. In Gewald, J, M Hinfelaar & G Macola (eds): One
Zambia, Many Histories - Towards a History of Post-colonial Zambia.
Lusaka: Lembani Trust.
Chipungu, Samuel (ed) 1992. Guardians in Their Time: Experiences under
Colonial Rule 1890-1964. London: Macmillan Press.
Coyne, John. 1970. A History of the Jesuits in Zambia. Lusaka (Unpublished
typescript at the Jesuit Novitiate.
Cumming, Juniper & Charles Musonda 2003. The Missionary Francis
Mazzieri Conventual Franciscan. Ndola: Mission Press.
Flecther, IM 1974. David Livingstone: A Short Portrait of the Great
Missionary Explorer. Paper No. 9 in the Occasional Papers of Rhodes-
Livingstone Museum. Manchester: Manchester University Press.
Freire, Paulo 1973. Education for Critical Consciousness. New York:
Seabury.
Freire, Paulo 1970. Pedagogy of the Oppressed. New York: Seabury Press.
Gadsden, Fay 1992. Education and Society in Colonial Zambia. In Chipungu,
S (ed): Guardians in their Time: Experiences of Zambians under
Colonial Rule, 1890 – 1964. London: Macmillan.
Gifford, Paul 1988. The Religious Right in Southern Africa. Harare: Jongwe
Printing and Publishing Ltd.
Hannercart, Karel 1992. From Fort Jameson to Chipata Part one: 1947-
1971. Rome: Historical Department Archives Missionari d’ Africa.
Hastings, Adrian 1994. The Church in Africa 1450 -1950. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
Henkel, Reinhard 1989. Christian Missions in Africa. Berlin: Dietrich
Reimar Verlag.
Hinfelaar, Hugo 2004. History of the Catholic Church in Zambia 1895-1995.
Lusaka: Bookworld Publishers.
Hinfelaar, Marja 2003. Remembering Bishop Joseph Dupont (1890-1930) in
Present day Zambia. Journal of Religion in Africa 33:365 - 76.
Hinfelaar, Marja 2009. Legitimizing Powers: The Political Role of the
Roman Catholic Church, 1972-1991. Gewald, J, M Hinfelaar & G
Macola (eds): One Zambia, Many Histories - Towards a History of Postcolonial
Zambia. Lusaka: Lembani Trust.
Human Rights Commission 2008. Dignity and Justice for all of Us. Lusaka:
HRC.
Larmer, Miles 2003. History of Zambia 1890-1902. In Murphy, E (ed): A
History of the Jesuits in Zambia. Nairobi: Paulines Publication.
Komakoma, Joe 2003. The Social Teaching of the Catholic Bishops and
Other Christian Leaders in Zambia: Major Pastoral Letters and
Statements 1953-2001. Ndola: Mission Press.
Meebelo, Henry 1971. Reaction to Colonialism. Manchester: Manchester
University Press.
Murphy, Edward 2003. A History of the Jesuits in Zambia: A Mission
Becomes a Province. Nairobi: Paulines Publications Africa.
Mwanakatwe, John 1968. The Growth of Education in Zambia since
Independence. Lusaka: Oxford University Press.
Mwaura, Philomena Njeri. 2003. Women in the Democratization Process. In
Magesa, L & N Zablon (eds): Democracy and Reconciliation: A
Challenge for African Christianity. Nairobi: Acton Publishers.
O’loghlen, D. 2002. The Catholic Church Speaks Out. JCTR Bulletin 51.
Oliver, Roland 1952. The Missionary Factor in East Africa. London: Yale
University Press.
O’Shea. Michael 1986. Missionaries and Miners. Ndola: Mission Press.
Phiri, Bizeck 1992. Decolonisation and Multi-Party Liberation in Northern
Rhodesia: A Reassessment. Zambia Journal of History 5: 14 - 36.
Rotberg, Robert 1965. Christian Missionaries and the Creation of Northern
Rhodesia 1880-1924. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Rotberg, Robert 1972. The Rise of Nationalism in Central Africa: The
Making of Malawi and Zambia. London: Oxford University Press.
Sakala, Richard & Donald Chanda 1999. Poverty Eradication: The Zambian
Experience. Lusaka: Sentor Publishing.
Simuchimba. Melvin 2005. Religion and Education in Zambia, 1890-2000
and Beyond. PhD Dissertation. The University of South Africa.
Snelson, Peter 1974. Educational Development in Northern Rhodesia, 1883-
1945. Lusaka: NECZAM.
St Paul Communications. 2003. The Participation of Catholics in Political
Life. Nairobi: Paulines Publications.
ter Haar, Gerrie 1992. Spirit of Africa: The Healing Ministry of Archbishop
Milingo. London: Hurst & Company.
The Times, Letter 4th August, 1950.
Tiberondwa, Ado K 1978.Missionary Teachers as Agents of Colonialism.
Lusaka: National Educational Company of Zambia Ltd.
Weller, John & Jane Linden 1984. Mainstream Christianity to 1980 in
Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Gweru: Mambo Press.
Hopkins University Press.
Bryne, Thomas. 1983. Integral Development. Ndola: NP.
Carmody, Brendan 1992. Conversion and Jesuit Schooling in Zambia.
Leiden: EJ Brill.
Carmody, Brendan 2008. The Voice of the Catholic Church in Zambian
Politics. In the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflections Reader -
Church and State No.1.
Carmody, Brendan 1992. Jesuit Mission School: Ally of Zambian
Nationalism? Zambia Journal of History 5: 37 - 57.
Cheyeka, Austin 2009. Towards a History of Charismatic Churches in Postcolonial
Zambia. In Gewald, J, M Hinfelaar & G Macola (eds): One
Zambia, Many Histories - Towards a History of Post-colonial Zambia.
Lusaka: Lembani Trust.
Chipungu, Samuel (ed) 1992. Guardians in Their Time: Experiences under
Colonial Rule 1890-1964. London: Macmillan Press.
Coyne, John. 1970. A History of the Jesuits in Zambia. Lusaka (Unpublished
typescript at the Jesuit Novitiate.
Cumming, Juniper & Charles Musonda 2003. The Missionary Francis
Mazzieri Conventual Franciscan. Ndola: Mission Press.
Flecther, IM 1974. David Livingstone: A Short Portrait of the Great
Missionary Explorer. Paper No. 9 in the Occasional Papers of Rhodes-
Livingstone Museum. Manchester: Manchester University Press.
Freire, Paulo 1973. Education for Critical Consciousness. New York:
Seabury.
Freire, Paulo 1970. Pedagogy of the Oppressed. New York: Seabury Press.
Gadsden, Fay 1992. Education and Society in Colonial Zambia. In Chipungu,
S (ed): Guardians in their Time: Experiences of Zambians under
Colonial Rule, 1890 – 1964. London: Macmillan.
Gifford, Paul 1988. The Religious Right in Southern Africa. Harare: Jongwe
Printing and Publishing Ltd.
Hannercart, Karel 1992. From Fort Jameson to Chipata Part one: 1947-
1971. Rome: Historical Department Archives Missionari d’ Africa.
Hastings, Adrian 1994. The Church in Africa 1450 -1950. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
Henkel, Reinhard 1989. Christian Missions in Africa. Berlin: Dietrich
Reimar Verlag.
Hinfelaar, Hugo 2004. History of the Catholic Church in Zambia 1895-1995.
Lusaka: Bookworld Publishers.
Hinfelaar, Marja 2003. Remembering Bishop Joseph Dupont (1890-1930) in
Present day Zambia. Journal of Religion in Africa 33:365 - 76.
Hinfelaar, Marja 2009. Legitimizing Powers: The Political Role of the
Roman Catholic Church, 1972-1991. Gewald, J, M Hinfelaar & G
Macola (eds): One Zambia, Many Histories - Towards a History of Postcolonial
Zambia. Lusaka: Lembani Trust.
Human Rights Commission 2008. Dignity and Justice for all of Us. Lusaka:
HRC.
Larmer, Miles 2003. History of Zambia 1890-1902. In Murphy, E (ed): A
History of the Jesuits in Zambia. Nairobi: Paulines Publication.
Komakoma, Joe 2003. The Social Teaching of the Catholic Bishops and
Other Christian Leaders in Zambia: Major Pastoral Letters and
Statements 1953-2001. Ndola: Mission Press.
Meebelo, Henry 1971. Reaction to Colonialism. Manchester: Manchester
University Press.
Murphy, Edward 2003. A History of the Jesuits in Zambia: A Mission
Becomes a Province. Nairobi: Paulines Publications Africa.
Mwanakatwe, John 1968. The Growth of Education in Zambia since
Independence. Lusaka: Oxford University Press.
Mwaura, Philomena Njeri. 2003. Women in the Democratization Process. In
Magesa, L & N Zablon (eds): Democracy and Reconciliation: A
Challenge for African Christianity. Nairobi: Acton Publishers.
O’loghlen, D. 2002. The Catholic Church Speaks Out. JCTR Bulletin 51.
Oliver, Roland 1952. The Missionary Factor in East Africa. London: Yale
University Press.
O’Shea. Michael 1986. Missionaries and Miners. Ndola: Mission Press.
Phiri, Bizeck 1992. Decolonisation and Multi-Party Liberation in Northern
Rhodesia: A Reassessment. Zambia Journal of History 5: 14 - 36.
Rotberg, Robert 1965. Christian Missionaries and the Creation of Northern
Rhodesia 1880-1924. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Rotberg, Robert 1972. The Rise of Nationalism in Central Africa: The
Making of Malawi and Zambia. London: Oxford University Press.
Sakala, Richard & Donald Chanda 1999. Poverty Eradication: The Zambian
Experience. Lusaka: Sentor Publishing.
Simuchimba. Melvin 2005. Religion and Education in Zambia, 1890-2000
and Beyond. PhD Dissertation. The University of South Africa.
Snelson, Peter 1974. Educational Development in Northern Rhodesia, 1883-
1945. Lusaka: NECZAM.
St Paul Communications. 2003. The Participation of Catholics in Political
Life. Nairobi: Paulines Publications.
ter Haar, Gerrie 1992. Spirit of Africa: The Healing Ministry of Archbishop
Milingo. London: Hurst & Company.
The Times, Letter 4th August, 1950.
Tiberondwa, Ado K 1978.Missionary Teachers as Agents of Colonialism.
Lusaka: National Educational Company of Zambia Ltd.
Weller, John & Jane Linden 1984. Mainstream Christianity to 1980 in
Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Gweru: Mambo Press.