Democratization, Religious Actors, and Political Influence: A Comparison of Christian Councils in Ghana and South Africa

Ghana and South Africa offer compelling contrasts regarding the sociopolitical influence of religion. In both countries, the number of religious adherents is high, religious experiences are varied, and public spaces filled by religious organizations are innumerable. This article focuses on the role that two prominent ecumenical councils play in ongoing efforts of democratic consolidation in Ghana and South Africa. Relying on data from interviews, newspaper analysis, and primary and secondary sources, it argues that the Christian Council of Ghana and the South African Council of Churches play prophetic roles, steering their countries toward the consolidation of democracy; however, the former is a far more influential political actor than the latter.