Pour des raisons de limitation, cette thèse analyse le thème de la réconciliation à partir des pratiques traditionnelles des Baluba du Katanga; elle concerne et s'applique également aux autres ethnies bantu en Afrique Centrale où ces pratiques sont similaires. / La détérioration des relations et la fragilité de la cohésion entre certains groupes sociaux en RD Congo remontent à 1958, peu avant l’indépendance du pays en 1960. Depuis ce temps, les conflits socio-politiques affectent profondément les groupes ethniques et les conditions économiques sont de plus en plus mauvaises. Depuis son indépendance, le pays a traversé de nombreuses périodes de conflits, sans aucune accalmie durable. De 1960 à 1964, les fréquentes guerres de sécessions, des rébellions et des guerres interethniques ont déstabilisé toute la structure sociale du pays. Les tentatives de réconciliation ont eu des résultats mitigés et parfois des solutions de courte durée. Le coup d’État de 1965, a plongé davantage le pays dans la violence : le pouvoir a été confisqué par les membres du parti unique et la gestion des biens publics a été confiée à quelques groupes ethniques privilégiés. Les frustrations et les injustices suscitèrent des insurrections et des soulèvements populaires, souvent réprimés dans le sang. Les efforts de démocratisation de 1990 n’ont pas rétabli l’équilibre des pouvoirs. Plusieurs groupes ethniques lésés se sont radicalisés et ont étayé leurs revendications par des actions violentes et meurtrières. La situation ne s’est guère améliorée depuis la fin de la dictature et perdure encore de nos jours. Pourtant, l’histoire montre qu’en RD Congo, les ethnies avaient un système traditionnel de résolution des conflits de diverses natures. Grâce à un enquête de terrain, nous avons reconstitué ce processus qui conduisait à une réconciliation durable parce qu’elle résultait d’une concertation communautaire sous l’arbre-à-palabre. Selon nos interlocuteurs, ces pratiques traditionnelles de réconciliation ont fait leurs preuves. Dans une perspective d’inculturation de l’Évangile, elles peuvent être interprétées et adaptées, puis intégrées à la vie de l’Église et à sa mission de réconciliation en RD Congo. Dans cette thèse, nous proposons un modèle chrétien et inculturé de réconciliation, élaboré à partir des pratiques et des rites traditionnels des Baluba. Pour constituer ses composantes essentielles, nous avons fait une sélection critique de ces éléments traditionnels, qui ont des potentialités de paix. Nous les avons ensuite mis en corrélation avec ceux retenus d’une analyse du récit de la réconciliation entre Jacob et Ésaü (Gn 32–33) et de son appropriation chrétienne à partir des enseignements de Jésus (Mt 5. 21-26) et de Paul (2 Co 5. 11-21). Ce modèle chrétien inculturé est proposé à l’Église et ses partenaires pour être mis en œuvre auprès de la communauté chrétienne, dont les Baluba, et dans l’ensemble de la société congolaise. La première étape de cette mise en œuvre sera un travail de conscientisation et de concertation débouchant sur des expériences pratiques et concrètes de la réconciliation dans des communautés locales, qui pourront servir d’inspiration à d’autres niveaux. La démarche réalisée ici invite aussi à poursuivre des réflexions interdisciplinaires sur la réconciliation durable à partir des pratiques de la culture africaine traditionnelle. / The deterioration of relations and the fragility of cohesion between several social groups in the DR Congo date back to 1958, shortly before the country’s independence in 1960. Since then, socio-political conflicts have profoundly affected ethnic relations and economic conditions have even worsened. Since its independence, the country has gone through many periods of conflict, without any lasting peace. From 1960 to 1964, frequent secession wars, rebellions and inter-ethnic conflicts have destabilized the entire social structure of the country. Attempts for reconciliation have had mixed results and sometimes short-lived solutions. The 1965 coup plunged the country further into violence: power ended up in the hands of members of the sole ruling party and the management of public assets got entrusted to select members of influential ethnic groups. Frustrations and lack of distributive justice engendered insurrections and popular uprisings, which were often quelled by bloody repression. Attempts to democratization since 1990 have not restored the balance of powers. Several ethnic groups, feeling unfavourably treated, have become radicalized and have used deadly violence in support of their claims. The situation has hardly improved since the end of dictatorship and persists even these days. Yet, history shows that in the DR Congo, ethnic groups had a traditional system of resolving various kinds of conflicts. Through a field survey, we have reconstructed the process which usually brought about lasting reconciliation, since it was grounded in community consultations under a palaver tree. Accounts by participants in our survey suggest that such traditional practices of reconciliation have demonstrated their efficiency. From the theological perspective of an inculturation of the Gospel, they can be reinterpreted and adapted, then integrated into the life of the Church and into its mission of reconciliation in the DR Congo. In this dissertation, we propose a Christian and contextualized model of reconciliation, grounded in the traditional practices and rites of the Baluba. To constitute its essential components, we have critically selected traditional elements which have shown their potential for peace. We have then correlated them with elements from a narrative analysis of the reconciliation between Jacob and Esau (Gen. 32–33) and its Christian reinterpretation through the teachings of Jesus (Mt 5. 21-26) and Paul (2 Co 5. 11-21). This contextualized Christian model is being proposed to the Church and its partners for implementation within the Christian community, including the Baluba, and within the entire Congolese society. The first step of this implementation process will consist of the raising of awareness and of consultations, thus leading to practical and actual experiences of reconciliation in local communities, which, in turn, will serve as a source of inspiration at further levels. The approach taken here also invites continued interdisciplinary reflections on lasting reconciliation grounded in traditional African cultural practices.

La présente thèse a pour principal objectif l’analyse empirique et théologique de la participation active (PA) des pratiquants dominicaux au sein de deux communautés montréalaises catholiques romaines. Les débats portant sur l’objet de l’étude sont encore ouverts eu égard aux récentes réappropriations religieuses des contemporains et aux nouveaux modes culturels. Cette thèse se penchera succinctement sur le sens historique de ce principe, pour ensuite privilégier l’évolution contemporaine des discussions. Ce sont, tout particulièrement, les catégories de participation théologale, externe, interne, communautaire et d’expérience liturgique qui constitueront le cadre d’observation qualitative de cette étude. La notion de PA est en pleine évolution depuis la réforme voulue par Vatican II. En s’appuyant sur des postures théologiques récentes, cette thèse vise à savoir comment les différents paramètres de la PA sont perçus et vécus chez certains pratiquants. Du point de vue pastoral, cette thèse prend appui sur ce courant théologique pour interroger les manières de faire participer les pratiquants pour leur faire vivre authentiquement le mystère eucharistique en s’inspirant notamment des perspectives patristiques. Elle procède aussi à l’étude de l’expérience liturgique des pratiquants suivant les traces de Join-Lambert et de Jean Séguy. Ces théologiens ont traité des problématiques liées au champ émotionnel de la liturgie, Séguy le subordonnant au rituel régulé et rationnel dans le Catholicisme romain. Tout en faisant état des dissidences théologiques concernant cette notion, sujet à controverse, cette thèse conclut que les réformes conciliaires ont eu des impacts positifs sur la pratique liturgique. Elle indique que la participation liturgique paraît moins envisagée sous l’angle d’un rapport implicatif, que d’un rapport électif à la liturgie dominicale. Exprimant des attentes à la fois rituelles rationnelles et rituelles émotionnelles, les pratiquants recherchent davantage l’expérience d’une rencontre personnelle avec Dieu, alors que certains valorisent l’assemblée elle-même. Ensuite, la thèse révèle les enjeux liés au défi ministériel. Surgit la question de la centralité de la figure du prêtre, à l’heure de la synodalité en Église. / The main focus of this thesis is the empirical and theological analysis of the active participation (AP) of Sunday churchgoers in two Roman Catholic Montreal communities. Debates on the object of the study are still open in view of the new religious reappropriations of contemporaries and new cultural modes. This thesis will briefly examine the historical meaning the notion of AP, to then focus on the contemporary evolution of the debate. It is, in particular, the categories of external, internal, community participation and liturgical experience that will constitute the qualitative observation framework of this study. The concept of PA is in full evolution since the reform desired by Vatican II. Based on recent reflections, this thesis aims to know how the different parameters of AP are perceived and experienced by some practitioners. From a pastoral point of view, this thesis is based on this theological current to question the ways of involving practitioners in order to make them live authentically the Eucharistic mystery by drawing inspiration in particular from patristic perspectives. It also proceeds to the study of the liturgical experience of practitioners following in the footsteps of Join-Lambert and Jean Séguy, theologians who have dealt with issues related to the emotional field of the liturgy, Séguy subordinating it to regulated and rational ritual in Catholicism. While noting the theological disagreements concerning this controversial notion, this thesis concludes that the conciliar reforms have had positive impacts on liturgical practice. It indicates that liturgical participation seems less envisaged from the angle of an implicative relationship, than of a selective relationship to the Sunday liturgy. Expressing both rational ritual and emotional ritual expectations, practitioners seek more the experience of a personal encounter with God, while just some value the assembly itself. Then, the thesis reveals the issues related to the ministerial challenge. The question of the centrality of the figure of the priest arises at a time when synodality in the Church is being considered.

Consecrated life or religious life as it is sometimes called within the Catholic Church is almost as old as Christianity. All baptised persons are consecrated persons by virtue of their baptism, but the consecrated life to which some people feel called, is a special and fruitful deepening of the consecration received in baptism and confirmation.. This dissertation explores Christian spirituality as it is manifested in consecrated life with relation to inculturation and religious life. The scope has been limited to a study of one congregation, the Companions of St Angela as a case study. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M.Th. (Christian Spirituality)

This thesis examines whether the theological method currently known as inculturation was used in the Supper Narratives of the New Testament. A methodology is set up in which texts are examined against the backdrop of Graeco-Roman, Judaic and early Christian cultures. This methodology focusses on family resemblances and analogies, rather than genealogy or causal dependence to examine the links between text and context. It also avoids claims for orthodoxy dependent on claims about origins. Engaging with the claims of writers from Schweitzer, through Jeremias and up to the present, three themes are identified: meals, sacrifice and eschatology. The manifestations of each are examined against the three cultural groups:Judaic, Graeco-Roman and early Christian. The Supper Narratives (Mk 14:12-26, Matt. 26:17-30 and Luke 22:7-23 and 1 Cor 11:17-34) are then mapped against these themes. Analogies to the cultural groups are then traced. This process leads to conclusions that the New Testament writers did use a methodology which can be identified as inculturation. It manifests itself particularly through patterns identified by anthropologists as bricolage and re-accentuation. A notable example is "sacrificialisation", in which events and items are invested with a fresh sacrificial significance. Judaic concepts (e.g., covenant and Atonement) and rituals (e.g., sacramentals and Passover) dominate the interpretations of Jesus' last meal with his disciples. This does not mean that inculturation only took place in relation to Jewish culture. Many of the concepts used (e.g., sacrifice and sacrament) share commonalities with Graeco-Roman thought which allows them to engage with such world-views. This process sees Judaic understandings used as correctives to Graeco-Roman thinking about sacraments. It also sees Jewish concepts used to address Graeco-Roman values, and give an added historical depth (antiquitas) to a comparatively recent event. / Biblical and Ancient Studies / D.Th. (New Testament)

The point of departure in this dissertation is the situation in the Marzahn-Hellersdorf region of East-Berlin, where, 17 years after the political turnaround, only three new Christian communities have established themselves., However it is, known that there have been many attempts at church planting during these years. In this district there seems to be a high percentage of people who are resistant towards western theology or ecclesiology respectively. That is why the focus of the dissertation is on those people who live in an a-religious context surrounded by post-socialistic influences. Social scientific approaches and methods have been integrated and utilised as part of this practical-theological research project. The benefit of this was the developing of aspects of a practical-theological perspective that could be used for a specific ecclesiology with special reference to church planting. Ultimately, three hypotheses have been developed. The implications of these hypotheses could serve as essential material for prospective church planting efforts in the area. / Practical Theology / M. Th. Missiology

Thesis / There is potential for a schism, within the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) today, between Fundamentalist and Liberationist Methodists, who struggle to find common identity and vision. A question that needs examination is whether it is possible to develop an authentically, uniting Southern African Methodist Theology within the current Institutional structure of the MCSA. For this to become possible, some key areas of discussion are highlighted in this paper, such as the training of ministers and the MCSA as Institution. This paper attempts to enter into conversation between Fundamental and Liberation Methodism using the Doctrine of Christian Perfection, 'the Grand Depositum' of Methodism, as a point of reference and develop an epistemological framework based on Wesley’s 'quadrilateral' of Scripture, reason, experience and tradition. This paper takes as a standpoint the need for an authentically Southern African Methodist theology, which is both uniting and transformatory, in order for the MCSA to fulfil its vision of “A Christ Healed Africa for the Healing of Nations.” / Systematic theology and Theological Ethics / D. Th. (Systematic Testament)

This study tries to investigate the extent of inculturation in African Churches in general and in Zimbabwe in particular. Some mission churches, like the Catholic, the Anglican and the Methodist Churches were selected for the study. The main areas of investigation are baptism, the Eucharist:, marriage, burial and healing. The study discovered that there is some inculturation going on in all the churches under discussion, especially in the celebration of the Eucharist. On the other hand, it was also discovered that the African Independent Churches, such as Vapostori and the Aladura, churches are much more at home with the implementation of inculturation especially in the area of healing. We concluded that Christianity is not yet deeply rooted in African soil, in particular in Zimbabwe. This is because not much inculturation has taken place in the mission churches. Some recommendations are made to help facilitate the implementation of inculturation and to enable Christianity to take flesh in Africa so as to become an authentic African Christianity. / Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Systematic Theology)

The last Supper Jesus had with his disciples on the night before he died on the cross is the foundation of a major liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church called 'the Eucharist'. One of the major designations of the Eucharist is that it is a sacrifice. The starting point of this work is that the sacrificial character of the Eucharist is not as meaningful and relevant for Xhosa people as it should be. The way forward is to study the Eucharistic and Xhosa sacrifices, compare them and suggest ways of rendering the Eucharistic sacrifice meaningful and relevant to Xhosa the people. Although not conclusive, the New Testament gives a strong foundation for the sacrificial understanding of the Eucharist. The Eucharist, as interpreted through the Last Supper accounts, covers all the conventional intentions of sacrifice, i.e. propitiation, communion, thanksgiving and mutual responsibility. The Fathers of the Church affirm the sacrificial character of the Eucharist with varying emphases, but taken together, their understanding shows development of thought and complementarity of themes. In the Middle Ages the most pronounced intention of the . Eucharistic sacrifice is propitiation and post Tridentine theological reflection is informed by this mentality. According to modem and contemporary thought, Christ's death on the cross, which is sacrarnentally represented in the Eucharist, is not an act performed on our behalf to appease an angry God but God's act of love towards us. The emphasis is on self-offering to God as exemplified by Christ. The Xhosa people still have regard for sacrificial rituals, but modernity has modified and sometimes changed their understanding and practice of sacrifice. The principle of God's universal salvific will and the doctrine of incarnation provide theological grounds for inculturating the Eucharist. Thus the inclusion of ancestors and use of cultural symbols in the celebration of the Eucharist may render it meaningful to Xhosa people. Relating the Eucharist to Xhosa culture will revitalise the communion element in Eucharistic sacrifice, which element has been lost sight of through the centuries. Eucharistic sacrifice in its turn will help Xhosa Catholics to have a deepened understanding of sacrifice that extends beyond performance of rituals to include self-giving. / Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology / D.Th.(Systematic Theology)

The growth of the Church in Africa, namely at numerical level, is tremendous. However, we notice that her impact on society and public life is not so visible as the growth is, since Christian values are embodied by Christians. Yet, the Church has huge human resources, pastors, missionaries, lay leaders and theologians. The challenge for the Church in Africa is to incarnate and inculturate these values and the living message of the Gospel. In this thesis we question the co-operation between the Church and mission agencies, between native pastors and western missionaries. We notice that since 150 years, there has been a huge gap between these two entities. This is due to the fact that Theology and Missiology look like two lines that never meet. This situation leads us to revisit not only the current paradigm Church-Mission but also the current link between Theology and Missiology. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / D.Th. (Missiology)

Cette thèse est une analyse descriptive de la théologie contextuelle protestante contemporaine dans le Pacifique Sud insulaire. Elle privilégie une approche interdisciplinaire faisant appel à l’histoire, la socio-anthropologie, la missiologie et la théologie. La première partie s’intéresse de manière diachronique à l’émergence de cette nouvelle théologie dans un contexte de décolonisation et de régionalisation du christianisme à travers le réseau œcuménique des Églises du Pacifique, des années 1970 aux années 2000. Trois figures de proue de la théologie océanienne contemporaine sont étudiées en détail : Sione ‘Amanaki Havea, Sevati Tuwere, Ama ‘amalele Tofaeono. La deuxième partie est une approche synchronique et typologique des thèmes abordés par la théologie contextuelle dans le Pacifique : le discours sur Dieu proprement dit, l’image du Christ se dégageant d’une christologie océanienne, la théologie « de la célébration » et « la théologie de l’identité ». L’utilisation théologique de symboles culturels tels que la terre ou le pays (fenua / vanua), le kava, la case, l’igname, etc. y est examinée ; de même que le rapport entre religion et culture ainsi que le recours à la tradition. La troisième et dernière partie porte sur la question théorique de la contextualisation de la théologie, l’origine du terme et du concept ainsi que ses limites dans une perspective œcuménique. Elle reprend également la question de l’articulation entre la culture et la théologie dans le contexte contemporain de la mondialisation du christianisme. / This Ph. D. Thesis offers a description of contemporary contextual Pacific Islands’ theology. The methodological approach is interdisciplinary, drawing on history, sociology and anthropology, missiology, and theology. The first part is a diachronic study of the origin of this new kind of theology in the context of decolonisation and regionalisation of Christianity through the Pacific Churches’ ecumenical network from the 1970’s to the 2000’s. The thoughts of three contemporary Pacific theologians are presented in detail: Sione ‘Amanaki Havea, Sevati Tuwere, Ama ‘Amalele Tofaeono. The second part is more synchronic, proposing a typology of specific theological themes in the Pacific: the different representations of God, Christology, “Theology of Celebration”, “Theology of Identity”. The purpose of this part is to work on cultural symbols like the land or homeland (fenua / vanua), kava, traditional hut, and yam, among others, and to study the link between religion and culture and the use of tradition. The third and last part deals with the theoretical issue of contextualisation in theology, the origin of the word and of the concept of contextualisation as well as its limits from an ecumenical point of view. This section also takes into account the problematic of the connection between culture and theology in the contemporary context of a globalised Christianity.