Christian Churches initiating a partnership with the Shona Chiefs' Traditional Courts in Zimbabwe as an evangelistic tool

Abstract

In this project, I highlight that the Shona African community of Matsai communal lands in Zimbabwe has its own centers of power located at the chiefs and Headmen's courts. I reflect on how the church, in its hundred years of presence lost the opportunity to touch the lives of the people more deeply by avoiding the chiefs court; partly because of the western idea of separation of church and state, and also the simplistic demonization of African customs and traditional structures. I accordingly make a proposal for the church to be contextual by initiating a partnership with the chiefs court at his "Table of Justice." Through this partnership, the church can dialogue with Shona customs, learn from the Shana elders, enjoy the confidence and influence of this "table," and in the process, contribute Christian ethical value to the Traditional African justice system, and attain community building outcomes that proclaim the gospel.