| dc.description.abstract | This study falls under the realm of history of independence, the
central theme being independence In African christianity. The
subject of concern is the history of the AFRICAN INTERIOR CHURCH
(A.I.C), an African Independent Church founded in 1946, after a
schism from the Church of God Mission, Kima in Bunyore. It is,
in essence, an attempt to professionally document a significant
aspect of the socio-political history of Bunyore (EMUHAYA
DIVISION). The study revolves around the dynamism of the origins,
growth and development of the A.I.C., the first independent
church in Bunyore. The central question was what factors led
to the rise and development of the A.I.C?
The origin of A.I.C. cannot be fixed to one cause. An
accumulation of grievances related to C.G policies and the role
of elitist societies in Bunyore like Muyonga Union, Bunyore Old
Boys Society, Bunyore Investigation Society, coupled with the
autocracy of J.S. Ludwig (Mission Head) culminated in the schism
of 1946.
The research, carried out in Bunyore and the major urban
centres in Kenya where A.I.C. has spread its influence, unearthed
several facts about this church. The church has over forty
thousand adherents. And since 1946 up to date, it has existed
in purely African hands. It owns over thirty church buildings;
it contributes significantly towards the economic development
of Kenya, especially through the projects of Women groups. It
sponsors several schools (primary and secondary), runs two
Village Polytechnics in Emuhaya Divj.sion and two community
centres at Kibera and Korogocho in Nairobi.
From our findings we have noted the A.I.C characterizes a
radical departure in terms of liturgical and doctrinal organization
compared to those of the Church of God and other mission churches
in Kenya. It has exhibited a high level of incorporation of
traditional practices in its ceremonies and service and even
rituals. In the ceremonies, traditional sacrificial animals like
sheep and goats are accepted and slaughtered with blood libations.
The use of clan elders besides church officials in these ceremonies
is also accepted. In fact, clan elders take centre-stage in
birth, child naming, circumcision, wedding and burial ceremonies
including some extended funeral rites. In church services and
other functions, there is the wide use of traditional instrumentation
like the drums, herps, horns, jingles. The A.I.C has therefore as
evidenced by this study created new trends and attitudes in the
development of independency within christianity, especially with
regard to its continued pursuit of African traditions.
What emerges from this study is that church independency
was related to cultural Africanization of the christian church
as evidenced by the A. I.C. What then will be the future of this
independent church in the general development of christianity?
Will it be submerged in African traditionalism or will there be
a continued co-existence of tradition and christianity in the
church? Only time will tell and further research might one
day unveil this. | en |
