"Crisis of Faith: Today's African Christians and Mami-Wata (Mother Water) Spirituality"

November 6, 2023
DePaul University
Young African Christians-Catholics and non-Catholics alike-are increasingly attracted to the traditional African spirituality of Mami Wata, a water goddess. Sr. Gesila Uzukwu explores the reasons for this new trend and the critical challenges it exposes in the Catholic Church's struggle to concretely engage African culture and traditions. She also asks two questions: What is the future of African Catholicism? Can the dynamics of Mami Wata's feminine spirituality help Africans engage positively and creatively with their Christian beliefs?
:: ABOUT THE SPEAKER ::
Sr. Gesila Uzukwu, DMMM, teaches in the Philosophy & Religious Studies Department at Nasarawa State University in Keffi, Nigeria. She holds an MA and licentiate in theology and religious studies, and a PhD in New Testament studies (from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium). Her research interests include New Testament studies, the Pauline letters, philosophy of religion, gender studies, and African spiritualities.