Cardinal Sarah's Urgent Call for Christian Unity
At the 2024 Theological Symposium hosted by Tangaza University College in Nairobi, Cardinal Robert Sarah didn't hold back. Addressing hundreds of students, scholars, and clergy over two days in late February, he spoke with a sense of urgency about a problem the global Church can't ignore: disunity among Christians. For Cardinal Sarah, internal divisions do more than just cause disagreements—they undercut the very foundation of the Gospel message the Church is meant to spread.
He explained that splintered communities send mixed signals to the outside world, making the Christian message appear weak or inconsistent. In his words, when Christians are divided, they offer a "counter-witness"—essentially the opposite of the inspiring example the Gospel is meant to provide. These fractures, he pointed out, can make followers vulnerable to manipulation by those who see opportunities for exploitation in Christian infighting.
Beyond Boundaries: Gospel First, Identities Second
One of Cardinal Sarah's strongest points was about how loyalties like tribe, nation, or race should never outweigh dedication to the Gospel. He challenged the audience to honestly ask themselves which identity comes first. "Do we put our flag, our roots, or our group ahead of Christ's message?" he asked. For the Cardinal, the answer should always be clear. Evangelization suffers when the Church is split by these secondary identities.
He called on Christian leaders and laypeople alike to set aside differences and rally around core Gospel teachings. This isn't just about getting along, he said—it's about the future of the Church's witness worldwide. In places where religious tensions run high or where faith itself is on the decline, unity could make all the difference.
He didn't limit his message to Christians alone. Cardinal Sarah highlighted that even partnerships with people of other religions—when they're rooted in respect and shared values—can help build the foundation for evangelization. He encouraged African Christians, in a special way, to take the lead. With European church attendance slipping, he sees Africa as a "spiritual engine" that can reignite faith on the world stage.
- Prayer: Not just private devotion, but community prayer that breaks down barriers.
- Fasting: A practice to focus the heart and mind, reminding believers of what's truly important.
- Almsgiving: Rather than competition, caring for those in need brings unity in action.
According to Cardinal Sarah, these three pillars—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—aren't only personal disciplines but tools that bind communities together, strengthening Christian witness even across lines of difference.
The atmosphere at Tangaza University College made it clear that Cardinal Sarah's message landed with weight. For many, it was a direct challenge but also an invitation. Rather than calling for uniformity, he asked for solidarity: a Church where diversity is celebrated but the mission remains shared. With Africa at the forefront, the path to a reinvigorated, united evangelization story may run straight through the continent's churches.
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