Original Research

Bringing faith to the public: Positioning church communities for social good in sub-Saharan Africa

Patrick Nanthambwe, Vhumani Magezi
Theologia Viatorum | Vol 48, No 1 | a272 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/tv.v48i1.272 | © 2024 Patrick Nanthambwe, Vhumani Magezi | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 13 August 2024 | Published: 08 October 2024

About the author(s)

Patrick Nanthambwe, Unit for Reformed Theology and Development in South Africa, Faculty of Theology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
Vhumani Magezi, Unit for Reformed Theology and Development in South Africa, Faculty of Theology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa

Abstract

The Christian faith must move beyond private belief and engage more actively in public issues to promote societal well-being. Churches, as key actors in the public sphere alongside for-profit institutions and political bodies, have the potential to contribute to the common good. This involves contestation, dialogue, and collaboration with other sectors to develop approaches that enhance human welfare. While the term ‘public good’ originates in economics, its association with social good aligns it with the mission of faith communities, which focus on community well-being. The pressing question is how church communities in sub-Saharan Africa can interact with businesses and governments to advance social good. This requires churches to engage in advocacy, provide direct services, and collaborate with secular organizations while ensuring their actions promote equity and justice. Through thoughtful engagement in the public sphere, churches can influence societal structures by upholding values such as compassion, justice, and mutual respect. By doing so, they can play a significant role in addressing challenges within their local contexts.

Contribution: The article contributes to the discussions of how churches can move from private concerns to actively engaging with public issues, collaborating with various societal actors to promote social good and enhance community well-being.


Keywords

faith; church communities; public; social good; sub-Saharan Africa

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals

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