FAITH, POWER AND PROPAGANDA: THE ETHICS OF INTERGENERATIONAL DIALOGUE IN TIMES OF GEN Z ACTIVISM
Abstract
Purpose: Drawing from John Mbiti's conception of religion in Africa as a "way of being,"¹ this study examines the ethical and theological implications of the Kenyan Church's entanglement with political power, with particular focus on Gen Z activism as a catalyst for institutional reform.
Methodology: The research employs a qualitative approach through analysis of literature, public records, and case studies. Primary cases examined include the Occupy Church protests and public reactions to political donations. The study is grounded in three theoretical frameworks: prophetic theology, social contract theory, and intergenerational justice theory.
Findings: The research reveals that political donations and public displays of giving have significantly compromised the Church's moral authority and prophetic voice. The study identifies patterns of selective silence on critical social issues, particularly when involving political donors. Gen Z-led movements like "Occupy Church" have emerged as significant forces challenging the Church's complicity in corruption, while financial entanglement with politicians has led to erosion of trust among congregants, especially younger generations.
Conclusion: The Kenyan Church faces a critical challenge in balancing its historical role as a moral authority against its increasing entanglement with political power. This has resulted in diminished credibility among congregants and compromised its ability to serve as a prophetic voice for social justice and spiritual formation.
Recommendations: The study proposes implementing transparent financial reporting systems for donations, establishing clear boundaries on political influence during services, creating platforms for intergenerational dialogue, and strengthening partnerships with ecumenical networks. Further research is recommended on the role of ecumenical networks in fostering accountability and the long-term impact of youth activism on Church governance.
Keywords: Faith, Power, Propaganda, Ethics, Intergenerational Dialogue, Gen Z Activism
References
Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians, Transforming Theology: Reclaiming the Church’s Prophetic Role (Geneva: WCC Publications, 2015).
Esther Mombo and Jesse Mugambi, “The Role of the Church in Kenyan Politics,” in The Church and the Struggle for Democracy in Kenya (Nairobi: AACC, 1999).
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Kuzipa Nalwamba, “Ecumenical Ethics: Reimagining the Church’s Role in Justice,” Ecumenical Review, vol. 72, no. 3 (2020): 360-375.
Lawrence Iwuamadi, Biblical Foundations for Social Justice in Africa (Eldoret: AMECEA Gaba Publications, 2014).
National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), “Statement on Church and Political Neutrality,” Nairobi, 2023.
Nyambura J. Njoroge, “The Missing Voice: African Women Doing Theology,” Journal of Theology for Southern Africa, no. 99 (1997): 77-89.
Roman Catholic Church of Kenya, “Pastoral Letter on the Concerns of the Youth,” 2023.
World Council of Churches (WCC), Justice and Peace in a Globalized World: A Theological Reflection (Geneva: WCC Publications, 2020).
