The Church and Development in Africa: Aid and Development from the Perspective of Catholic Social Ethics (African Christian Studies Series Book 2)

In this book Stan Ilo offers an integral theology of development and creatively lays the groundwork for Christian humanitarian and social ministry in Africa. Ilo proposes a vulnerable missional praxis through a social analysis informed by the gospel, which promises to enrich the ways Catholic and Christian charities worldwide carry out their humanitarian work and engage in aid and development initiatives in developing countries of Africa and among the poor in different parts of the world.

Ilo offers a comprehensive and systematic presentation of Catholic social ethics in relation to human rights, ecology, globalization, international cooperation, development and aid, human and cultural development, business ethics, social justice, and the challenges of poverty eradication.

"Ilo's effort to provide a 'creative appropriation of Catholic social ethics' in dealing with the challenges facing Africa today is impressive both in his review of Catholic Social Teaching and in his grasp of so much of the literature of contemporary socio-economic analysis of Africa. The breadth of coverage of topics is notable and makes the book a helpful vade mecum for those of us engaged in development work in Africa (and wider)."
-Dr. Peter J. Henriot, S.J., Former Director Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), Lusaka, Zambia

"In Aid and Development in Africa . . . Prof Stan Chu Ilo has done wonderful research and produced a creative and critical analysis of the role of faith-based organizations (FBO) in changing Africa's troubling social context. It is a well packaged and riveting 'road map,' so to speak, of how best the Churches and aid organizations can reach out in friendship, solidarity and charity to the problem-ridden and poverty-stricken countries of the African sub-region. This is a serious, significant and welcome contribution to that on-going social dialogue. Very few works in the subject area match this work in depth and clarity."
-Rev. Felix Nwatu, Ph.D, Academic Dean (Theology) and Professor of Systematic Theology, Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, Nigeria.

"What an epic book! This is a profound and important book. Prof Stan Chu Ilo take us on a powerful journey through Catholic theology to Africa, its history and the development challenges of today. It is a book full of both personal passion and systematic rigor. It interweaves personal story, deep theological reflection, and robust academic analysis to reach workable and practical principles for aid today. It brings a fresh, African and Catholic perspective to an aid literature, populated largely by defunct Western prescriptions."
-Dr. Rich James, Principal Consultant, International NGO Training and Research Center, Oxford, co-author Capacity-Building for NGOs: Making it Work.

"A fascinating blend of Catholic social theory, cultural criticism, and practical guidelines for integral human development in Africa. By interpreting Pope Benedict's Charity in Truth, Professor Stan casts a refreshing light into the so-called 'Dark Continent.' This is must read for anyone interested in Africa or the current controversy over foreign aid. The hope permeating this book will stir any human heart!"
-Most Reverend Richard Grecco, Bishop of Charlottetown, P.E. I, Chair Episcopal Commission on Justice, Conference of Canadian Catholic Bishops.

Stan Chu Ilo is Assistant Professor of Religion and Education the University of Toronto, Canada. He is the author of The Face of Africa (2006) and co-editor of The Church as Salt and Light.