Dying in Service to a Dangerous Idea: Organising the Foundations of an African Jubilee Movement

Abstract

Jubilee is a revolutionary idea that many generations have struggled to act on. Africa is seeking to overcome centuries of colonialism and its extractive structures. Yet this is the African century where African population growth and youthful energy will profoundly impact the globe – for good or ill. Having courage to enact Jubilee principles through grassroots movements could see the creation of a uniquely African economy good for people and the environment that could bless the nations. We can do this by implementing a combination of different movement principles: 1) prayer and discipleship; 2) developing new organisational wineskins; 3) building peace and deep relationships; 4) communicating a unifying and hopeful narrative; 5) forging new identities; 6) formulating concrete plans and communicating clear demands; and 7) persisting in our action even through difficulties. If African movements can tap into the deep divine well of courage and strength to die in service to God’s jubilee calling then perhaps we will see a continent changed forever. Dying each day to self, we cannot rest until we hand over this vision to the next generation.