the concept of jo-kang’ato among the luo of Kenya and its implications for Christian unity in the ecclesial life of the church in Africa

Abstract

Christian unity in the ecclesial life of the Church in Africa is surrounded by a misunderstanding whose ramifications are endless disunity. While disunity among Christians remains a challenge to the Church in Africa decades after the departure of the Western missionaries who bequeathed it, it can be addressed through appropriate relationships arising from a proper understanding of Christian unity. This dissertation purposes to improve the understanding of Christian unity through the concept of jo kang’ato among the Luo of Kenya. A research question is posed to guide the study: Is there a relationship between the concept of jo-kang’ato among the Luo of Kenya with the relationship prescribed for Christians in the Scripture concerning ecclesial unity? A comparison between jo-kang’ato and Scripture was undertaken to establish the connection and ascertain the validity of the concept. The exegesis conducted on preselected passages and the Luo culture through interviews aided the process. Through purposive sampling, 40 village elders and 200 Church members drawn across different denominations among the target population participated in the study. The analysis of data demonstrated that a significant relationship exists between the concept of jo-kang’ato and the Scripture. The results indicate that indeed, the concept of jo-kang’ato through its unity enhancing ideals enriches the understanding of Christian unity in the ecclesial life of the Church in Africa. The study could be extended further with the help of a quantitative research method to ensure a bigger sample size leading to a more generalised view of the concept.