Emmanuel Katongole is Associate Professor of Theology and Peace Studies at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and the Department of Theology at Notre Dame. A Catholic priest ordained by the Archdiocese of Kampala, Katongole is the author of books on the Christian social imagination:
In Born from Lament: The Theology and Politics of Hope in Africa, Katongole investigates the theological notion of lament as a way to account for the resilience, agency, and innovation of Christian social activists for non-violent change in East Africa.
In Eastern Congo, Katongole gathered data on the historical, religious, and cultural expressions of lament while documenting the stories of courageous Christian social activists working to end violence. He found that, in the midst of suffering, hope takes the form of "arguing" and "wrestling" with God. Such lament is not merely a cry of pain—it is a way of mourning, protesting, and appealing to God. Katongole’s research highlights the inner connection between lament and hope and the theological, social, and political implications of this connection for African societies.
In The Journey of Reconciliation: Groaning for a New Creation in Africa, Katongole outlines a theological vision of reconciliation as God’s journey with creation—both gift and mission. He then explores the ecclesiological dimension of reconciliation and provides different portraits on why and how the church matters for reconciliation in Africa.
Finally, he draws on stories of peace activists in Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda to illuminate the spiritual and practical disciplines that sustain those who labor for reconciliation.
Please join us in celebrating the publication of these books on Tuesday, October 3rd at 5 p.m. in the Hesburgh Center Auditorium.