Abstract

Is Christian theology well equipped to understand, theorize, and respond to public health crises, such as the HIV and Ebola crises or other ongoing epidemics or endemic diseases in Africa? What type of ecclesial practices and network connections are required for such endeavors? And, more importantly, why should health be considered as a locus theologicus in a continent confronted with all sorts of crises? We ought to remember what Gary R. Gunderson and James R. Cochrane proposed:

Religion in its deepest foundations and public health in its genesis are not just about specific intellectual disciplines or fields of practice but, ultimately, about the health of the whole and health for all, the well-being of people. ¹