African Traditional Religion an Expression of Harmonious Co-Existence Religion Has Great Influence on the African People

October 28, 2002

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – The more than 100 people in the hall turned their attention to the lady dressed in a white robe as she entered the room. The day's morning prayers and meditation would be offered by a representative of the African Traditional Religion, among participants in the first inter-religious peace summit in Africa, organized by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) from October 14-19 near the South African city of Johannesburg.

At the podium, Lorato placed three candles and three containers on the floor. Then she went down on her knees and began her meditation. After a while, she clapped her hands again, the prayers had come to an end. Her teacher, Ntate Kgalushi Koka, head of the Johannesburg-based Karaites Institute for Africology explained the meaning of Lorato's morning prayer: It symbolized the very distinctive fusion of the spirit, soul and body with the ancestors. Koka was on the national steering committee of the Inter-Faith Peace Summit in Africa, hosted by the National Religious Leaders' Forum of South Africa.

A plan of action by the summit, aimed at defining the practical role of religious leaders in resolving violent conflict in Africa, underlined the need to incorporate African traditional methods of conflict resolution and mediation techniques in peace making. The main focus of a panel discussion following Lorato's meditation was African traditional methods of conflict resolution and reconciliation as well as religious co-existence in Africa. Different speakers expressed the wish for peaceful co-existence and joint action in the form of an "African Renaissance" envisioned in a new united Africa.

The Rev. Dr. Sam Kobia of the Geneva-based World Council of Churches said, "Religion has enormous influence on the lives of Africans." He noted that the African Traditional Religion, Christianity and Islam have a great impact on the African people.

Lorato professes unity, convinced that religions belong together – under one roof. She reflects on her own two traditions – a Christian and at the same time traditional healer, a "Sangoma." Pastor Motea Rafapa from Johannesburg, and a member of the summit's steering committee, expects to see the incorporation of African traditional religion in church life. He experienced an increased spirituality at the peace summit.

Lorato has found her destiny. The Johannesburg-based 48-year-old mother of three recalls the years' long search for her vocation. Her father, a teacher, and mother, a nurse, were both Anglicans. But in the end their daughter followed her own convictions and dreams. Today, she stands for the unity of faith communities. Her call to the Inter-Faith Peace Summit: It is not possible to bring all religions together if the spiritual female followers and women are excluded.

Lutheran World Information (LWI) is the information service of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). Unless specifically noted, material presented does not represent positions or opinions of the LWF or of its various units. The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund (Sweden), the LWF now has 136 member churches in 76 countries representing over 61.7 million of the 65.4 mllion Lutherans worldwide. The LWF acts on behalf of its member churches in areas of common interest such as ecumenical relations, theology, humanitarian assistance, human rights, communication, and the various aspects of mission and development work. Its secretariat is located in Geneva, Switzerland.