Port Harcourt, Nigeria: (CESSAC Reporters Osemhantie O. Arinze L. & Famgba P)
The Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Port Harcourt, solemnly commenced its 33rd annual Theology Week Conference Monday, March 18, 2023. The Catholic Bishop of Zaria Diocese, His Excellency, Most Rev. Habila T. Daboh, presided over a High Mass that marked the commencement of the auspicious occasion.
Following the Mass, the Bishop blessed and formally opened CIWA’s new clinic on the Port Harcourt campus.
In his keynote address, Bishop Daboh, a member of CIWA’s Governing Council, charged CIWA with “an episcopal summon” to continue to engage the challenges which they “categorized as hard but doable.” He then urged them to “please get to work and make exploits for the Gospel’s sake.”
Chaired by Dr. Guis Obaseki, this year’s conference themed, “Theology and the Future of the Church in Africa,” promises stimulating discussions.
In his thought-provoking welcome address, CIWA rector, Very. Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude Abidemi Asanbe, challenged theologians to engage in a reflective theology.
“Pope Francis’s perspective of engaging theology within the realities of our clime,” the rector said, “encourages us to be proactive in responding to our issues; rather than engaging in ‘consumerist theology’ – i.e., theology that consumes other theological perspectives.”
The rector concluded his address by noting that a theologian is the one who responds and not reacts. “This is what CIWA continues to bring to the Church in Africa,” Fr. Prof. Asanbe said. “We observe, we discuss, and we respond.”
The week-long program will culminate on Friday, March 22, in a vibrant Culture Day celebration, showcasing the richness of West Africa’s traditions.
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