Moratorium and reconciliation in a post‐missionary era: Retrieving the legacy of Colin Morris. (24th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kangwa, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: International review of mission. Volume 110:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 82
• Publication Date: 2021-05-24
• Subjects: Colin Morris -- moratorium -- post‐missionary era -- mission -- reconciliation -- church; Mission of the church -- Periodicals; Missions -- Periodicals; 266.005
• DOI: 10.1111/irom.12355
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-8582

Abstract

Abstract: The moratorium on Western missionary labour and financial resources has been a matter of lively interest over the past five decades. Postcolonial theologians and missiologists have blamed Western missionaries for introducing Christianity without paying attention to existing cultures of local people. Despite this, the work of Western missionaries has undeniably contributed to evangelization and the advancing of Western civilization in Africa. In this context, this paper considers Colin Morris's views on the moratorium to prevent sending missionaries and financial resources from the West. Based on an examination of his views, it analyzes two elements that shape the discourse on the moratorium in the post‐missionary era: the impact of the moratorium on Christian mission and the need for reconciliation and partnership between the churches in the global North and the global South. This paper concludes that we must promote the interdependence and mutuality of churches in the global North and the global South if the Christian imperative of making disciples of all nations is to be fulfilled.