Family in Africa – Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Reading through the post-synodal exhortation of Pope Benedict XVI, Africae Munus, I was positively struck by this statement of the Pope about the “soul of Africa”. This is what he wrote: “A precious treasure is to be found in the soul of Africa, where I [the pope] perceive a “spiritual `lung' for the humanity that appears to be in a crisis of faith and hope,” on account of the extraordinary human and spiritual riches of its children…” (AM 13) (Benedict XVI, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Africae Munus,” Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana (2011). Now on abbreviated as AM ). Certainly, that statement rang true in my ears. In this first part of the presentation, I wish to highlight some of the “extraordinary human and spiritual riches of her children,” with a special reference to the family. In the second part, I shall also mention a few challenges to Marriage and Family in contemporary Africa.

A note of caution: While presenting those riches, however, I don't intend to idealise those human and spiritual values, since – as long as the effects of original sin lasts in the world – even the best can be corrupted, and is often corrupted. Therefore, I shall also point to some of the deviations that have come up due to human selfishness and sinfulness. I am also aware that in a presentation like this, generalisations are unavoidable; hence I accept that all generalisations are subject to many exceptions. Besides, the traditional African values are currently being subjected to strong pressures from the outside, and this makes generalisations and talking of the traditional cultures and customs all the more difficult. Nevertheless, it is possible to identify and speak of a significant core of human and spiritual values that continue to reverberate in the African soul.