Black theology and its response to poverty in the public sphere: a case for the Africa Inland Church in Kenya

Abstract

Poverty levels in Kenya, as in many other parts of the world, are still unacceptably high. Various responses against poverty since independence, by the government and non-governmental agencies, especially churches, have not succeeded in eradicating the scourge. A closer look at Black theology demonstrates its emphases on the conflict between the oppressor and the oppressed; and on preferential options for the poor. These emphases in Black theology provided a theological legitimacy for a response against slavery in the Americas and apartheid in South Africa, and are now strongly related to the ongoing engagement with poverty and its causes. Although the Africa Inland Church plays a notable role in the provision of education, healthcare and relief supplies among the poor and the vulnerable in Kenya, the theological framework provided by Black theology could position the Africa Inland Church to better respond to poverty and its causes, while partnering with other responsible poverty response agencies in Kenya.