New academic post aims to renew Africa’s political culture

Last updated on: May 23, 2013 at 2:31 pm by CNA Daily News

New academic post aims to renew Africa’s political culture 2013-05-23T14:31:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Vatican City, May 23, 2013 / 08:31 am (CNA).- Cardinal Robert Sarah, the president of Benin and officials from the Pontifical Lateran University presented a new chair whose goal will be to study African politics and form new generations of leaders in the Church’s social doctrine.

The new position, which is named after the late Beninese Cardinal Bernard Gantin, was dedicated May 23, “to recall what his life meant for the people of Benin, for the Church in Africa, and for the universal Church,” explained Cardinal Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum.

“I hope that this chair in his name – on ‘Socialization Policy in Africa’ – will initiate reflection on politics in the African context and prepare future leaders of African society who are guided by the Church's Social Doctrine,” the cardinal told the press.

President Thomas Yayi Boni was also present at the May 23 press conference to unveil the effort, and he spoke in French about the need for a renewal of the political culture in Africa. Making this a reality will require transforming the system and the individual, he added.

Professor Martin Nkafu Nkemnkia, who heads the university’s Department of Social and Human Science – African Studies, explained that the chair will be responsible for holding courses and seminars, promoting conferences and workshops, and seeking collaboration with institutions to increase and give value to Africa’s political culture.

“The contribution of the chair will be a renewal, but above all a formation of leaders, motivated by deep-rooted ethical principles, to overcome the difficult situation of crisis and corruption, both in politicians as well as in civil society itself, through a just economic vision and a more balanced form of the service that politics should offer,” Nkafu said.

Middle East - Africa

Previous Post

May 23, 2013

Nigerian bishops lament disunity among local Catholics

Next Post

May 23, 2013 US bishops praise immigration bill's advance in senate

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who was high priest when David ate the consecrated bread?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Caiaphas Ahimelech Aaron Eli