We want to broaden access to theology and critical thinking about faith by creating spaces where the local community can listen to excellent speakers and make their minds up for themselves. Community Theology Thursdays will explore challenging and controversial issues from our shared histories, or our lived experiences that impact our shared life together, today.
This year, we are beginning with a powerful series entitled “Jesus and Recommendation 32”, which addresses how Christian theology has historically been misused to dehumanise African peoples and demonise their traditional beliefs and practices.
What is Recommendation 32?
The Church Commissioners of the Church of England published a report on their historic links with Transatlantic Chattel Slavery following an investigation initiated in 2019. Their response included the proposal to set aside £100 million - 1% of their fund - to invest in a new in-perpetuity investment fund dedicated to justice, healing, and repair. They commissioned an Independent Oversight Group to provide recommendations on how they should next act.
One particular recommendation of the Independent Oversight Group has attracted considerable attention and concern - Recommendation 32:
“We call for the Church of England to apologise publicly for denying that Black Africans are made in the image of God and for seeking to destroy diverse African traditional religious belief systems.
This act of repair should intentionally facilitate ongoing and new sociological, historical and theological research into spiritual traditions in Africa and the diaspora thereby enabling a fresh dialogue between African traditional belief systems and the Gospel. This work should reach beyond theological institutions and be presented in ways that will enable all Africans, especially descendants of the enslaved, to discover the varied belief systems and spiritual practices of their forebears, and their efficacy. We recommend that the Commissioners work with all faith-based communities to which descendants of African chattel enslavement belong.”
Recommendation 32 and the Early Church in Africa
28th november, at st nicholas church
What role did Africa play in the birth of Christianity? Join us as we uncover the often-overlooked history of the Early Church in Africa and its foundational influence on Christian thought and practice. This session reveals how African leaders, thinkers, and communities shaped the development of Christianity and why this vital narrative has been obscured over time. Don’t miss this chance to rediscover Africa’s central role in Christian history and its lasting impact on faith worldwide.
Previously in the Series
Recommendation 32 and The Gospel ‘Good News’ of Jesus Christ
with rev’d Canon Dr Carlton Turner and Rev’d Natasha Beckles
Explore how the ‘Good News of Jesus Christ was misappropriated to undermine African identity and spirituality. How might Recommendation 32 help us revisit our approach to mission, evangelism and the Gospel?
Recommendation 32 and African Traditional Religions
WITH DR HARVEY KWIYANI AND REV’D NATASHA BECKLES
Discover the breadth of African belief systems. This session unpacks the complexities of Recommendation 32 and the centrality of a holistic understanding of African spirituality.
Our priority at CTT has been to ensure emotional safety, especially for global majority participants, as we know the Jesus and Recommendation 32 series is sensitive for some. To center the needs of affected communities, we have chosen not to stream the event, keeping discussions focused in-room.
However, purchasing a CTT ticket grants exclusive access to event footage so ticket holders can revisit the lectures and Q&A anytime. All current ticket holders will receive a link to the recordings by email.
Our Jesus & Recommendation 32 series is an initiative “by us for us,” and we hope to keep it self-funded. Your ticket purchases and donations help cover costs—please contribute if you can.
Plus, we’ve launched the CTT podcast! In it, we revisit discussions and questions with our speakers for everyone interested. Thank you for your support!