A History of the Quaker Movement in Africa

by Ane Marie Bak Rasmussen

Overview

This study explores the absorption of Western religious ideas into African religious traditions, the emergence of independent African churches and religious movements, and their connection with political protest. The Friends African Mission, an offshoot of the evangelical revival in Britain and America in the late 19th century, took root among the Luyia people of Western Kenya. Quaker doctrines found a particular resonance with indigenous religion and spirituality but also divided African Quakers.

The author considers the work carried out in education, agriculture, industrial training and health care by the Society of Friends, and charts the development of an independent church (finally established in 1963). She traces the developing relationship between African Quakers and the emerging African nationalist movements, and the colonial administration.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781850439042
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/31/1994
Pages:	185
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.50(d)

Table of Contents

Part 1 Background to the Quaker Mission to Kenya: the development of evangelical Quakerism; revival among American Friends in the late 19th century; eagerness for mission. Part 2 The early years - Friends Africa Mission: the peoples of western Kenya and their religion; the colonial setting; the arrival of the first missionaries; African-missionary interaction in the development of the church; revival in the late 1920s; the aftermath of the revival; crisis in the mid-1940s - Dini ya Msambwa. Part 3 The church under African leadership: the establishment of East Africa yearly meeting of Friends; the influence of later missionaries; administration and property in African hands; a split in 1973 - Elgon religious society of Friends; the division into four yearly meetings; questions outstanding in 1987. Part 4 Conclusion, Kathleen Staudt: theoretical perspectives; historical summary; significance and implications.