On 19 December, the Protestant University of Rwanda (PUR) marked a milestone in its academic history by hosting its first Professorial Inaugural Lecture. The lecture was delivered by Rev. Prof. Dr. Elisée Musemakweli, former Vice Chancellor of PUR and former President of the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR). The event carried the theme: “Theological Education and Church Life: What Theology for the Contemporary African Context?” This significant academic gathering provided an invaluable platform for reflection and dialogue on the role of theology in shaping the life of the Church and society in contemporary Africa.

The gathering opened with welcoming remarks from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olu Ojedokun, who highlighted the significance of this academic tradition and provided background to the inaugural lecture before inviting Prof. Musemakweli to speak.

Prof. Musemakweli began by expressing gratitude to university leadership and colleagues for their trust and support. He emphasized that theology is an academic discipline, anchored in intellectual rigor, that must respond to the problems and needs of the Church.

Turning fully to the theme, he posed a critical question: How can theological education meaningfully address the critical issues the world is facing, particularly in Africa? He traced key historical developments, noting that over time Christianity has shifted its demographic center from the Global North to the Global South. Today, Africa stands among the most compelling contexts of global Christianity. Yet this growth invites reflection: How deeply rooted is Christian life in Africa? To what extent does theology respond to the urgent issues affecting communities?

Africa’s Theological Crossroads

Prof. Musemakweli explained that theological seminaries are laboratories of the Church, forming leaders who will shepherd congregations. If African theology is to serve the Church effectively, it must address contemporary problems while remaining deeply rooted in Christian values. He highlighted how African theology has evolved historically and referenced theological pioneers such as Desmond Tutu in South Africa and John S. Mbiti, author of African Religions and Philosophy (1969). These demonstrated how theology can respond to injustice, apartheid, oppression, racism, and gender inequality.

However, the post-independence trajectory of African theology did not continue with the same prophetic force. Weakness in theological reflection and application contributed to failures, including the tragic reality of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. He argued that such history calls urgently for reconstruction theology that can rebuild the moral and ethical foundations of society. Referencing Nehemiah 2:18, “Let us rise up and build” he called for renewed, creative theological engagement.

Challenges That Demand Contextual Theology

The speaker noted that Africans continue to face pressing challenges including violent conflict, food insecurity and poverty, limited access to healthcare and education, corruption and political instability, widening economic inequality, and environmental destruction. These urgent needs call the Church and theologians to critical action rather than passive spiritual responses. He reminded listeners of Martin Luther’s conviction that ecclesia semper reformanda, the Church must always be reformed.

Prof. Musemakweli cautioned against simplistic answers to complex problems. Echoing theologian André Karamaga (African Christianity often provides simplistic answers to complex African realities), he noted the frequent use of abstract responses such as “Just pray,” “Have more faith,” “It is God’s will,” or “Demons are the cause.”  Such responses oversimplify deeply rooted social, economic, political, and cultural realities. Theology, he argued, should instead shape responsible engagement and participate in addressing today’s complex issues.

Following the lecture, Rev. Deogratias Niyitegeka, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, acknowledged the presence of Prof. Musemakweli, his family, church leaders, lecturers, students, and online attendees. He briefly reflected on the themes of the day before the gathering concluded with a networking coffee break.

True learning demands action beyond words. As Wole Soyinka declared, “A tiger does not proclaim its tigritude; it pounces.” Likewise, theology must prove itself through lived engagement. African theological education must be contextual and practical, equipping leaders to confront poverty, conflict, governance challenges, and environmental destruction. The responsibility belongs not only to church leaders but to all citizens and believers. Transformation begins not tomorrow and nor with others, but now, and with us.

Written By: Moise IRADUKUNDA, student at Protestant University of Rwanda.