March 3, 2026

Joseph Malula

Key Points

Malula engaged in practices of inculturation, adapting the Roman Catholic Church to African contexts.
His efforts occurred during Mobutu's authenticité, a movement against the colonial mindset in Congo.
By reinterpreting Catholicism, he aimed to foster a more genuine connection to African culture.
Malula's vision laid foundational work for future African Catholic leaders addressing cultural identity.

Abstract

Cardinal Joseph Malula was a leading Congolese Roman Catholic visionary during the second half of the 20th century. During the days when Mobutu proclaimed authenticité as a state policy, attempting to cast off the colonial mentality, Malula was engaging in various practices of inculturation, making the Roman Catholic Church authentically African.

Joseph Malula

Key Points

Abstract

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