Title: Communities for the Kingdom: A Handbook for Small Christian Community Leaders.
Author: Kieran Flynn, SPS
Publisher:  Eldoret , Kenya : AMECEA Gaba Publications, Double Spearhead Nos. 181-182, 2007. 128 pages.
Email:gabapubs@africaonline.co.ke
Website: www.gabapublications.org
Price: US $5.70

Reviewer: Rev. Joseph G. Healey, M.M.

 Kieran Flynn is an Irish priest in the St. Patrick Missionary Society (Kiltegan Fathers and Brothers). In this book he draws on seven years of experience in working with Small Christian Communities (SCCs) in the Bomadi Vicariate in the Niger Delta in Nigeria , research on SCCs in Kenya and mission studies at the Gregorian University in Rome . This volume in the important Spearhead Series has three concentrated chapters: "Vatican II’s Impact on Small Christian Communities," "Emergence of Small Christian Communities in AMECEA Region; and "Social Responsibility of Small Christian Communities as the Family of God in Africa ."

Chapter Two traces the history of Small Christian Communities as the key pastoral priority and policy in Eastern Africa . AMECEA (the acronym for "Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa) includes the eight countries of Eritrea , Ethiopia , Kenya , Malawi , Sudan , Tanzania , Uganda and Zambia . Flynn points out that the formation of SCCs "presents a change and paradigm shift not only in the pastoral structures but also in the thinking and acting of the whole parish church. Small Christian Communities are a process and movement toward a community’s way of being church" (page 47).

Chapter Three focuses on an integration of faith and social transformation as expressed in the life of SCCs in most parts of Africa . In reflecting on community life and relationships Flynn emphasizes that an African ecclesiology that is community-based must include the significance of the living dead. In searching for a truly African ecclesiology the model of Church as Family of God (originally articulated in the First African Synod in 1994) is seen as the most appropriate expression of the Catholic Church. SCCs provide an effective means of realizing Church as Family in Africa through the distinctive way people live the Gospel on a daily basis.

Here is where Flynn makes a particularly important contribution. He explains how SCCs are a concrete expression of, and realization of, the Church as Family Model of Church in Africa , a key insight of the First African Synod. He states that "it is in being transforming communities that SCCs realize their identity in the Church as Family Model" (page 99) and quotes Pope John Paul II who said that these communities in the Church as Family have the task of working to transform society.

One of the main criticisms of Small Christian Communities in Eastern Africa is that many SCCs are small prayer groups that are inwardly focused and not concerned with the wider social issues. This may be the number one challenge to SCCs in Africa . But slowly there is a shift to active small faith communities that are outwardly focused including justice and peace issues. 

A key is the SCCs’ recovery of a theology of transforming praxis. The theological characteristics that identify Small Christian Communities are the fullness of life, solidarity and transformation. Flynn states that through SCCs a local African theology in solidarity with the poor is being realized in Africa . He identifies "five important areas where SCCs have made positive contributions:

1. Poverty alleviation.
2. Response to urbanization.
3. Transparent leadership.
4. Conflict resolution.
5. Reconciling gender issues" (page 105).

This insight makes this book especially relevant to the preparations for the Second African Synod on the theme of "The Church in Africa in Service to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace" to take place in Rome in October, 2009. The Lineamenta has been available since 2006. A Swahili translation was published in 2007.

As the subtitle indicates this book is a practical handbook for Small Christian Community leaders and members of parish councils. There is a clear explanation of the Seven Steps in Bible Sharing/Bible Reflection from the Lumko Institute in South Africa . This includes how to apply the Word of Life to certain situations of daily life. SCC members discuss tasks to be carried out in the neighborhood and in the parish. For the holistic development of SCCs in the parish church, leaders are introduced to biblical studies, spiritual and moral development and the facilitation of groups.  There is also a need for SCC leaders to be trained in social analysis and empowerment in the church so that they in turn can promote the social responsibility of the community.

All this makes SCCs in Africa very relevant to the Catholic Church worldwide. The African experience can teach Christians in other continents especially to see that SCCs are not just a programme or a project, but a way of life. The model of SCCs in the Catholic Church as Family of God in Africa can help to invigorate marriage and family life in the West and to promote Gospel values of communion, mutuality and solidarity everywhere.

Communities for the Kingdom has a valuable "Bibliography," but curiously it contains one book published after 2001. The "Index" is very complete and useful.

Rev. Joseph G. Healey, M.M.
Maryknoll Society
P.O. Box 43058,
00100 Nairobi , Kenya
Tel. 020-4442864
020-4445447
JGHealey@aol.com
www.maryknollafrica.org