Book: The Sacrifice of Africa: A Political Theology for Africa

Just published: Emmanuel Katongole, "The Sacrifice of Africa: A Political Theology for Africa" (Eerdmans, December 2010).

Publisher's description: "Modern Africa, scarred by its founding narratives of colonial oppression and nation-state politics, has been especially vulnerable to chaos, war, and corruption. Its people – mired within a seemingly endless cycle of violence, plunder, and poverty – have seen their resources exploited and their lives wantonly sacrificed time and again to the greed and ambition of oppressive regimes. In The Sacrifice of Africa Emmanuel Katongole confronts this painful legacy and shows how it continues to warp the imaginative landscape of African politics and society. He demonstrates the real potential of Christianity to interrupt and transform entrenched political imaginations and create a different story for Africa – a story of self-sacrificing love that values human dignity and 'dares to invent' a new and better future for all Africans. Compelling accounts of three African Christian leaders and their work – Bishop Paride Taban in Sudan, Angelina Atyam in Uganda, and Maggy Barankitse in Burundi – cap off Katongole's inspiring vision of hope for Africa."

www.eerdmans.com/shop/product.asp?p_key=9780802862686

Endorsements: "Drawn from the wells of Emmanuel Katongole's faith and faith on the ground, The Sacrifice of Africa is a work of singular importance and power. Its insights and implications are prophetic and compelling. One of the most visionary theologians of our day, Katongole helps the whole church see itself in a new way. This is the theology we need – and indeed must have." (Mark R. Gornik, City Seminary of New York)

"Sometimes churches are the only viable, if inadequate, social institutions left to shoulder the burden of society. [...] The demands of the moment require the sacrifice of the churches on behalf of Africa's long-suffering peoples. This book is a valuable installment in that cause." (Lamin Sanneh, Yale)

Ugandan-born Emmanuel Katongole is Associate Professor of Theology and World Christianity at Duke University and a priest in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala.