The geographical region that stretches from the southern boundary of the Sahara to the Cape of Good Hope is larger than the United States, India and Western Europe combined. The regions’ one billion people live in countries that are experiencing dramatic economic growth, along with increasing life expectancy and literacy rates. They are also among the most religious people in the world.
Pentecostal, Catholic and Muslim organizations often provide essential support for healthcare and education where state institutions are weak or dysfunctional. Understanding the capacities, limitations and challenges of religious groups in Sub-Saharan Africa is thus essential to conversations about economic development, peacemaking and human rights.
- ArticleMarguerite Brankitse: Forgiveness Is Key to Overcoming GenocideThis article was originally published on National Catholic Reporter, with the support of CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality. This year marks 30 years since violence exploded between Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups …Topics: Catholics and Catholicism, Engaged Spirituality, Genocide, Race and Culture, Spiritual Exemplars, Sub-Saharan Africa
CommentaryRemembering Edmund Kaszibuloh Koroma: A Savior and Peace BuilderHe was many things rolled into one: A committed community peace builder, a passionate promoter of religious tolerance and a tireless advocate of free education for children. Above all, Edmund Kaszibuloh Koroma …Topics: Christians and Christianity, Education, Engaged Spirituality, Muslims and Islam, Spiritual Exemplars, Sub-Saharan Africa, Violence
CommentaryWhy They Cross the Mediterranean: Italy’s ‘Guardian Angel of Refugees’ in Conversation with a Survivor of the 2013 Lampedusa ShipwreckFor nearly 20 years, Eritrean Catholic Priest Mussie Zerai has fielded thousands of distress calls from refugees and migrants on shipwrecked vessels in the Mediterranean Sea. “I’ve heard the voices. I’ve heard …Topics: Catholics and Catholicism, Engaged Spirituality, Europe, Immigration, Spiritual Exemplars, Sub-Saharan Africa- VideoFather Mussie Zerai: The Migrant Priest
ArticleSister Agatha Chikelue: Committed to Building Peace in NigeriaThis article was originally published by Global Sisters Report, with the support of CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality. When she was an infant, Agatha Chikelue became gravely ill. Her parents took her to …Topics: Catholics and Catholicism, Interfaith/Multifaith Movements, Nuns and Women Religious, Religious Leadership, Sub-Saharan Africa, Violence
ArticleTom Catena: Choosing Joy Over HappinessThis article was originally published by Religion Unplugged, with the support of CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality. GIDEL, Sudan — The media is filled with articles on how to achieve happiness, including in …Topics: Catholics and Catholicism, Christians and Christianity, Engaged Spirituality, Healthcare, Public Health, Spiritual Exemplars, Sub-Saharan Africa, Violence
AudioNoe Kasali: A Mental Health Counselor In The Democratic Republic Of The Congo Creates New Rituals For GriefThis radio documentary was originally produced by KALW’s The Spiritual Edge, with the support of CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality. To hear this and other profiles, subscribe to The Spiritual Edge podcast …Topics: Engaged Spirituality, Healthcare, Spiritual Exemplars, Sub-Saharan Africa, Violence
ArticleHeline Babiene Eweni: 24-year-old “Grandma” Helping Cameroonians Impacted by Secessionist Conflict, COVID-19This article was originally published by Premium Times, with the support of CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality. Gunshot sounds echoed in the home of Lovelyn Endne every night. Apart from the psychological effect …Topics: Christians and Christianity, Engaged Spirituality, Spiritual Exemplars, Sub-Saharan Africa, Violence
ArticleEla Gandhi: New Book Shares The Life And Lessons of Anti-Apartheid ActivistThis article was originally published in Religion Unplugged, with the support of CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality. BERLIN— There is a temptation when you meet Ela Gandhi to assume her soft, fluttering voice, …Topics: Engaged Spirituality, Spiritual Exemplars, Sub-Saharan Africa
ArticleSister Rosemary Nyirumbe: A Skeptic’s Take On A Nun’s Vocation To Serve The Poor Regardless Of RisksThis article was originally published by Religion Unplugged, with the support of CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality. ATIAK, Uganda— Studying religion all of my academic career has made me into a bit of …Topics: Engaged Spirituality, Spiritual Exemplars, Sub-Saharan Africa
ArticleHeline Babiene Eweni: In Cameroon, A 24-Year-Old Youth Pastor Is Helping Hundreds Displaced By ConflictThis article was originally published by Religion Unplugged, with the support of CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality. KUMBA, Cameroon — At precisely 10 p.m. every day, she locks herself in the silence of …Topics: COVID, Engaged Spirituality, Spiritual Exemplars, Sub-Saharan Africa
ArticleIda Puliwa: How A Stranger’s Kindness Transformed A Village In MalawiThis article was originally published in Religion Unplugged, with the support of CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality. In my last international trip before the pandemic, I had the chance to interview a young …Topics: Engaged Spirituality, Spiritual Exemplars, Sub-Saharan Africa
“While the ‘beach children’ phenomenon remains a blot on Lagos’s urban landscape, churches such as the RCCG, with their message of salvation and active concern for those at society’s margins, offer a glimmer of hope.”
—Richard Burgess
“‘Beach Children’ Find Salvation through Pentecostal Preachers”
CRCC Experts
To schedule an interview with one of our experts, please contact CRCC:
crcc@usc.edu or 213-743-1611
Tarra McNallyAssistant Director of Implementation and PracticeTarra McNally is an anthropologist specializing in evaluation and global health.
Donald E. MillerDirector of Strategic InitiativesDonald Miller focuses on global religious trends, genocides of the 20th century, and the role of religious NGOs in addressing issues of moral concern.