THE CHURCH CAN ALSO LEARN FROM AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION, THE VATICAN SAYS

THE CHURCH CAN ALSO LEARN FROM AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION, THE VATICAN SAYS

THE CHURCH CAN ALSO LEARN FROM AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION, THE VATICAN SAYS

Five days ago, on 16 September 2026, the Vatican released a new Note marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate.

It confirms something I have been saying for years, and for which some have accused me of promoting paganism.

The document says:

“Otherness thus becomes a source of mutual enrichment.”

It specifically speaks of dialogue with “traditional religions, particularly those of Africa.”

And it challenges the idea that “proselytism is the only way to engage with the other.”

So the question is no longer only:

What can Christianity teach African Traditional Religion?

It is also:

What can African Traditional Religion teach Christians?

Yes, the Vatican says the Church must be prepared to listen, learn and be enriched through dialogue with African Traditional Religion.

So, are we still going to see that promoting “paganism”?

Perhaps some of us need to rethink what we were taught about African Traditional Religion.

The Church is not building walls. It is opening doors.

The question is:

Are we African Christians prepared to walk through them?