The Catholic Church In Zambezia The Appointment Of Bishops

Document from the year 2020 in the subject Theology - Practical Theology, grade: 1,0, Kwame Nkrumah University, language: English, abstract: This satirical article examines the case of the fictitious suspension of a Catholic priest, John Mwanyenga of Kabuchende parish in Ulufyengo archdiocese in the fictional country of Zambezia. Its main characters are all fictitious and any similarity to actual historical persons and places are purely coincidental designed to explore in depth the use of hard power in the Catholic Church. The aim of the article is to shine a spotlight on a too often occurrence in the Catholic Church in the relationship between priests and bishop which involves a miscarriage of justice. This issue is closely linked with the secretive and archaic method of appointing Catholic bishops destined to lead Catholic dioceses.

In A Time to Break Silence, Joseph F. Mali argues that given the complexity of Nigeria as a multiethnic society, and in view of the volatile situation in the country, especially the relentless bloodshed in the northern region, there is an urgent need to amend the current process for selecting Catholic bishops in Nigeria. Presently episcopal appointments are the prerogative of the hierarchy and a few influential players. Nigerian Catholics, Mali maintains, are the best judge of their worsening situation. They deserve a chance to choose church leaders who can effectively tackle their social, political, and religious problems. Hence Mali calls on the Catholic bishops, priests, and laity to expand their views beyond the present method of nominating bishops and pave the way for all the clergy and laity to play a role in the selection process. This, according to Mali, is for the common good of the suffering church of Nigeria. Drawing on the New and the Old Testament, Mali explains the biblical foundation of the election of leaders by the people. Citing the good old saying, vox populi, vox Die (“the voice of the people is the voice of God”), and referring to Saint Augustine of Hippo, a distinguished African bishop who became a priest and a bishop by the will of the people, Mali concludes that Nigerian Catholics are capable of choosing priests who would make good bishops.

This volume focuses on the role Christian churches have played in Africa's democratisation movements since the late 1980s. In some cases churchmen have presided over national conferences; in many, Christians comprise arguably the most significant segment of civil society. In some countries pastoral letters have challenged dictators; in others, churches have provided an essential support for the status quo. The book comprises both theoretical analyses and case studies. The theoretical discussions include the history of Church-State relations; theology and democracy; Pentecostalism and democracy; the problems of consolidating democracy. The 13 case studies sketch the historical context, and then critically examine developments up till late 1993. The book will prove particularly useful to students of Third World Christianity, African historians and political scientists, and all interested in the socio-political role of Christianity.

Lecture Notes from the year 2007 in the subject Theology - Historic Theology, Ecclesiastical History, , language: English, abstract: This overview is about the issues in the catholic church. At first it covers a brief overview about the history of the first general council of nicea in 325. Then it gives information about the situation and the rights and obligations of catholic clergy. At the end it mentions the importance of youth involvement in the liturgical life of the catholic church.

Essay from the year 2017 in the subject Theology - Miscellaneous, , course: Canon law, language: English, abstract: This term paper deals with the use of sacramentals. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Sacramentals as “sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church. By them, men are disposed to receive the chief effect of the sacraments, and various occasions in life are rendered holy.” There are three classes of sacramentals, which are blessings, consecrations and exorcism in the strict sense. The code of canon law assigns four general canons to sacramentals and they refer to some paragraphs of the document Sacrosanctum Concilium. The document specifies their nature and purpose; their relationship with the Paschal mystery; their pastoral value; and the need to reform them as well as the criteria to carry out such reforms. The sacramentals are certain blessed items that are spiritually beneficial to the faithful for example Holy Water, Medal, Rosary, Scapular, Blessed Salt, Crucifixes, Candles, Blessings, etc. According to Sacrosanctum Concilium, the sacramentals are sacred signs which have a sacrament-like structures. They have been created by the Church to produce spiritual and material fruits; and their efficacy originates from the intercession of the Church.

Scientific Essay from the year 2018 in the subject Theology - Historic Theology, Ecclesiastical History, grade: note, , course: patristics, language: English, abstract: The following work provides a quick overview over all 21 ecumenical councils as of today held by the Catholic Church. Every several hundred years, cardinals, bishops, priests, theologians and other Catholic leaders, get together under the leadership of the Pope to discuss doctrine and the future of the Church. These are called ecumenical councils. So far, there have been 21 councils in the history of the Church since 325 A.D. (Prior to that, serious persecution prevented widespread meetings. There were, however, less organized councils.) In the Bible we have an example of a Church council (Acts 15-16). Paul and Barnabus went to Jerusalem in Israel to settle the circumcision issue.” As they (Paul and Timothy) went through the towns they delivered to the believers the rules decided upon by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, and they told them to obey those rules.” (Acts 16:3) This is a good example of the Lord using the “Church” to decide on matters of interpretation. The councils are part of the glue of the Church and are extremely important because it is where the Church settles many issues about what God is saying in Scripture and what he is saying to his Church. They are also where the Church officially responds to doctrinal threats. Sometimes we hear Evangelicals say something like, “Catholics made up the doctrine of [insert your favorite Catholic doctrine] at such and such a council” when, in truth, the Church was simply officially defining something that it had always believed as a response to a challenge from those opposed to the Catholic doctrine. Catholics believe the Holy Spirit is seriously present, guiding the proceedings at these councils. Jesus said to Peter, “...you are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Catholics believe that was Jesus’ promise that he would protect the Church from doctrinal error. This doctrinal protection is called “infallibility“. It does not mean that Catholics leaders throughout history would not be “indefectible” on issues other than doctrine. These councils are called ecumenical because there are several rites in the Catholic Church including the Eastern Rite (Byzantine, Antiochene, Armenian, Chaldean). All of these rights recognize the Pope in Rome as their leader. The largest rite is the Latin-Rite (that’s the one most people know).