THE CALL TO CHRISTIAN ADVOCACY FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA
THE BIBLE, GOOD GOVERNANCE AND ADVOCACY
The new nation Israel was given instruction about governance, power and justice. The Lord instructed them, ‘you shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgement. You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous. Justice and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you.’ Deuteronomy 16:18-20. Leaders were to be appointed to pursue the well-being of the people. They were to make decisions for the people directed by values such as fairness, sincerity and divine consciousness. Perversion of justice, partiality and bribery were to be eschewed from the governance system of the people.
The relationship between good leadership and the well-being of the people was established. The possibility of inheriting the blessings of the land was closely connected to commitment to good governance. Good leadership and governance were not supposed to be at the pleasure of the judges. It was a divine imperative. It was the right of the people. The very well-being and prosperity of the people depend on the quality of leadership of the various leaders.
Moreover, governance was to be spread and shared. No single judge was to have the hegemony of power. The various tribes and communities were to have their own judges who eventually would be reporting to higher authorities. There were checks and balances established in the whole governance structure of the nation. The governance system allowed for feedbacks and accountability. Jethro advised Moses to allow the judges to settle disputes at the community levels and rather refer the more difficult issues to him. At least dissatisfied people who felt they had been denied justice and fairness knew they could appeal to higher authorities for fair use of power and authority Exodus 18:14-27.
The citizens were to actively participate in the governance of the nation. They were to honor their leaders and be obedient to them. Moreover, they were to perform their responsibilities towards good governance of the society. The people were also tasked to let their voices be heard. They were to thank God for the blessings of providence through the services of those in governance. They were further expected to lift up a cry unto God when they are denied justice and righteous judgement. The cry of such needy people were to be heard not only by God but also by the leaders and ordinary people in the society.
The un-heard voices of members of the society who were destitute, marginalized and destined to die were to be re-echoed by the abled members of the society. It must be noted that there is nothing like voiceless people anywhere. Different people express different voices only that sometimes some voices are not heard. It seems to me that we have un-heard voices rather than voiceless people. In Proverbs the invitation was given to those who had the opportunity to judge the people to plead the cause of the needy and defend the rights of the poor. ‘Speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy’ Prov. 31:8-9. In the Book of James relevant religion is to be considered by how the people of faith are prepared to identify with the poor, marginalized, orphans etc. who have been denied justice and access to the blessings of the land James 1:27. God who is the initiator of Good Governance is always looking for people to stand in the gap for the peace and security of the land. ‘So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one’. Ezek. 22:30
DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA
Most African countries have accepted democracy as system of governance. Constitutions have been enacted with the separation of powers among the executive, legislature and judiciary. The various freedoms such as speech, press, movement, association, religion etc. do enshrine in the constitutions. Institutions of accountability have been spelt out with well-defined mandate of the various security agencies. Electoral processes that define terms of office, voting rights, handing over of power to new political administrations are very clear in statutory books.
According to the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan ‘Democracy is not just about one day every four or five years when elections are held, but a system of government that respects the separation of powers, fundamental freedoms like the freedom of thought, religion, expression, association and assembly and the rule of law…… Any regime that rides roughshod on these principles loses its democratic legitimacy, regardless of whether it initially won an election’. Challenges of democracy in the continent needs to be identified and addressed. Democracy in some African countries are gradually becoming dictatorship of the majority.
Democracy as Dictatorship of the Majority?
Uncertainty of term of office is gradually becoming a worried trend. Some African leaders have served number of years in office which were not certain at the point of entry into office even though their political parties that have the majority allow them to do so. They include, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatoria Guinea – 36 years, Jose’ Eduardo dos Santos of Angola – 36 years, Paul Biya of Cameroon – 33 years, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda – 30 years, Robert Mugabe Zimbabwe – 28 years, Idriss Deby of Chad – 25 years, Omar al-Bashir of Sudan – 22 years, Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria 20 years, Yahya Jammeh the Gambia -19 years, Joseph Kabila of Democratic Republic of Congo – 18 years.
Challenges of democracy and good governance in the continent include dis-respect of rule of law, corruption, lack of transparency and accountability, attack on freedom of the press, electoral cheating and violence, human right abuses etc., There are also foreign donor agencies and investors who in the effort to protect their interests are regularly forcing African governments to adopt economic policies that are not helping the already weak economies. The real threat to peace and security of Africa are the poverty and unemployment of high numbers of young people. An area that is calling for the voice of civil societies and African church leaders is advocacy for democracy, good governance and sustainable development.
Many people are gradually becoming afraid of their leaders, a culture of silence that is becoming a norm. It must be noted that under healthy democracies leaders are supposed to be afraid of their people knowing that the political power that gives them offices are the power of the people and that the people can get them out of power at any time that they feel dissatisfied about their performances. The fear of the citizens of their leaders and inability to raise their voices against corruption, non-performance of governments etc., it must be noted is a sign of weak democracy.
CHRISTIAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY
Advocacy is pleading the cause of another, siding with, vindicating, pleading and making recommendations on behalf of others. Moreover, it includes the giving of private or public support to a person, an idea, institution, a course of action or a belief. In the Bible, God calls people into various ministries such as evangelism, preaching, administration, healing, etc. One of such important areas of Christian ministries is the ministries of Advocacy. People like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Nehemiah, Esther, Peter, Marry Magdalene, Paul, were all at some point called into Advocacy Ministry. Jesus considered himself as Advocate as he also introduces the Holy Spirit as Advocate. There are others in Christian history that have played roles as Christian Advocates like Martin Luther, Martin Luther King, John Calvin, Wilberforce, Desmond Tutu etc. Christian voices are needed to bring Christian perspectives on governance and Sustainable Development issues in contemporary Africa.
SOME CHRISTIAN ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES
There are some specific activities that ministers of advocacy pursue in the effort to be voices for the un-heard voices. They must be done solely for the glory of God, the common good, social justice and the dignity of humanity. The choice of any of them must be done consciously seeking the discernment of the Holy Spirit and the determination to speak truth to power.
Involvements in Public Discourses and Publications
Christian advocates need to consider being involved in radio and television panel debates and discussions. They can also present position papers and articles for publications in journals. They participate also in workshops and conferences on related subjects to make contributions and ask questions. Books can be published to facilitate teaching in academic institutions and for adequate insights on public policy issues from Christian perspectives
Identification with the Un-Heard Voices
The church can publicly identify with the needy in society by providing facilities for comfort, solidarity, counseling, empowerment and opportunities. Names and signatures can be collected from a broad segment of society as indication of identification and solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized.
Special Prayer Meetings
The church is called to make intercessions and such can be organized in support of the un-heard voices. It can be backed with fasting, vigils and donations in support of the identified challenged situation or people. In Acts Peter was put in prison but the church kept praying for him. A vigil was spent in prayer and his deliverance became a wonder to the intercessors. Act 12: 1- 16.
Preparation of Christian Education materials
To increase participation and sustained solidarity there is the need for empowerment and awareness. Study materials on given subjects must be prepared and studied in church and other Christian meetings. Church members must not get involved in advocacy out of ignorance or manipulation by some individuals who want to pursue their personal selfish motives. Advocacy must be prayerfully done out of deep understandings and preparedness to sacrifice and serve. The intention and motivation must always be based on sound and balance knowledge of issues. Martin Luther set the agenda of the protestant reformation by the publication of his thesis. Even after his death the other reformers could pursue the reformation agenda because of the availability of materials.
Press Releases and Press Conferences
Press releases and conferences on specific subjects are organized to indicate the churches positions on social issues. The drafters must be clear and much focused. Church press statements, press releases (the statement may be written and sent to the various media houses) and press conferences (media people are invited to a meeting where press statements are read publicly. They are given the opportunity to ask related questions). It must be done in the reflection of scripture. Public reactions on press releases are always expectedly varied. Christian advocates need to know this and psychologically tuned themselves up for both complimentary comments and unfriendly vilifications.
Communiqués
Church leaders and representatives may issue communiqués addressing several social issues after deep reflections and make them public to the responsible authorities and the general public on their opinions and suggestions on national issues. Again like Press releases communiqués must be done with the realities of the context being guided by the Bible and in prayerfulness seeking the national interest and the glory of God at all times.
Pastoral Letters
A key communication strategy of the church since the early centuries has been issuance of Pastoral letters. Church leaders reflect on emerging subjects and provide Christian understanding and interpretation to guide Christian conduct in a given moment. Christian scholars and theologians are the churches’ best gifts in such matters. Pastoral letters however must attract much respect from church members as they deliberately allow the contents to influence Christian behavior.
Peaceful Demonstrations and Walks
Public demonstrations are acceptable means of communicating under democratic political system of governance. Churches when necessary, can organize peaceful demonstrations with messages on their opinion on identified social issues. A well thought through messages can be read or presented to leaders who are expected to take actions.
Engagements with Policy Makers
Church leaders can seek audience with government officials, heads of states, traditional leaders and engage them on issues of national interest. Such meetings may be behind closed doors and details may not need to be necessarily shared with the media. It presents the church with opportunity to pray with the leaders and provide advices and observations to those in government.
Public Education and awareness creation
Mass education is very helpful in Christian advocacy and contemporary media culture provides adequate opportunities for the church. The FM stations, the TV stations, internet, social media, the print media etc. provide access for public education and awareness creation.
Capacity Building of Church Leaders/Members
There is the need to build capacity of members in good governance and social accountability so that they can participate meaningfully in decision-making processes that affect their lives, and engage constructively with policy makers and duty bearers.
Building Partnerships and Networks
Churches in their advocacy efforts may need to build partnerships and networks with Government institutions, Faith Based Organizations, Ecumenical Bodies, Civil Societies Organizations, Donor Agencies, UN Agencies etc. Churches must avoid becoming ‘privileged partner’ especially to governments with the intention to use the church to do the bidding of political parties and governments.
Citizen/ Community Mobilization for Social Action
Community mobilization is a process of involving all levels or groups of people at the national and local levels in decision making and critical developmental, social, and economical agenda that affect them. Community mobilization is defined as a process that engages and motivates a wide range of partners and allies at national and local levels to raise awareness of and demand for a particular development objective through face-to-face dialogue. Churches must mobilize their women, youth, professionals etc. for development and advocacy.
CHRISTIAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY AND THE FUTURE OF AFRICAN CHRISTIANITY
The church and African Christian leaders must be considered by governments and development agencies as key strategic partners towards sustainable development of the continent. Christianity must facilitate sustainable development and the common good of the people. The key ministry that will reposition the church to play its contemporary role in matters of good governance, democracy and sustainable development remains the Christian Advocacy Ministry.
Rev Dr Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong (PhD)
Department of Religious Studies
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Kumasi
Website: kopunifrimpong.org