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149 Chapter Six Concluding Reflections: Can Catholic Priests Learn from Priests of African “Traditional” Religions? We began the first chapter of this book with the emphasis on the fact that we should take seriously the fact of our sharing in the kingship of Christ. We indicated that there is yet no serious reflection on the kingship character of the baptized. Endowed with democratic ideas we have become sceptics about anything related with kingship. We have overlooked to ponder on the theological and pastoral implication on our sharing the kingship of Jesus Christ. We also pointed out that there is a growing awareness among Africans that the continent should take the traditional way of governance seriously. Africa is challenged to re-consider the traditional structures of governance and if possible use its local chiefs and kings in ruling the people. This situation may also challenge theologians to research more about the idea of kingship. Naturally by its way of organisation, the African communities see in the person of the kings the wisdom to solve conflicts, and the physical self confidence to provide protection to his people. These kings were not “divine” in the sense of being regarded as gods. They were political and therefore civil persons while having ritual and spiritual roles to play. For what they did was to subsume in their persons, the many ancestral power formerly invested in a more or less large number of lineage leaders, and so enable a people’s unity to survive. They were, in other words, the guardians of a social charter which contained a network of otherwise separate charters. The king was present in his kingdom, and his presence assured the people. In modern politics, people notice that politicians are becoming too professionals, city oriented, and are distanced from their people, especially those of the rural areas. The statesmen and women loose the charm and trust which the local kings had. Priests as kings in the manner of Jesus Christ the King can restore the lost confidence of the people. This is true in so far as they exhibit themselves as leaders who are present among them. A priest who loves his parish and parishioners is surely to give his faithful a good company. The image 150 of priests as kings can help to promote the “charism of presence” among clerics. Modern Africa is in demand of the king-model of leadership because contemporary politicians do not take the plights of women seriously in their programmes among other things. While it is true that the male parliamentarians know that to get voted into the Parliament one need the votes of women who are the majority as compared to men. They have not tried to improve the lot of women after being voted into office. In Africa during electoral campaigns elections one notices an army of women dancing, singing and rejoicing on behalf of the contesting political parties. One finds also that most of these parties have males as presidential candidates. Women are trailed at singing and ululating. Male politicians know very well that in the corridors of power women can land a helpful hand as loyal foot soldiers, mass mobilizing force, faithful congregants and ululating fans. Yet once they have been put in power, these statesmen do not work to ensure for example, that their rights in male dominated families are respected, or their sufferings in walking long distance to fetch water, are solved. At least the kings, following the advices given by the queen mothers, listened to what the women wanted. After all kings had a number of women around his courtyards who reminded him not to forget women in his programmes. But it is important also to state that modern African states are unlikely to allow traditional chiefs and kings in politics. In fact, there are different reasons to reject the traditional way of governing. First, is to avoid the possibility of arousing ethnic sentiments that may cause disunity of the people in nation states. The second reason is based on the advantage that some countries which follow the principle of democracy have enjoyed so far. Countries like Botswana, Zambia, South Africa and Ghana which practice mature democracy have seen a peaceful transformation of governments. The republican way of democracy is guided by the constitution. Politicians are to abide by democratic principles and to be held accountable when they abuse their power. It has another advantage of allowing the citizens to participate in making decisions on matters which concern them...

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