CLA Launches Theology Programme To Empower African Lay Catholics

Church Life Africa (CLA) has launched its maiden certificate programme, Theology for Service Leadership (TSL), to deepen the theological formation of African lay Catholics and equip them for greater service to the Church and society.

The two-year programme commenced with a week-long intensive class from August 24 to 29, 2026, at the CLA African Hub, Gaudium et Spes Institute, Asokoro, Abuja, with 27 lay faithful from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya enrolled. Participants will undertake six courses covering Introduction to Theology, Introduction to Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching in the first year, followed by Mystery of God and the Mystery of the Church, and Local Catholicism and the New Evangelisation in the second year. The programme also includes a three-month hybrid internship in pastoral and public service settings.

Speaking at the opening of the programme, CLA Director, Fr Kenneth Amadi, described TSL as the organisation’s most substantial theological programme for lay Catholics, stressing that it would move participants beyond basic catechetical knowledge to a deeper understanding and practical application of their faith. He said the programme had two major objectives: to prepare lay faithful for service in their communities, parishes and public spaces, and to identify those who may be called to pursue advanced theological education.

According to Amadi, African lay faithful remain underrepresented in theological service within the global Catholic Church, despite the important role theologians play in advising bishops, bishops’ conferences and other Church institutions.

“We hope that from amongst these students that we are training will arise people who are called to advanced theological education to serve the Church at any level, be it local or international,” he said.

Amadi, an Assistant Professor at the Augustine Institute in the United States, said theology could also contribute to conversations on human dignity, science, technology, politics and public policy.

He noted that theological formation could help Christians better understand the moral implications of their actions and apply their faith intentionally to everyday life. Participants said the programme was already influencing how they viewed their faith and professional responsibilities.

Physics lecturer, Kambai Dennis Iliya, said the programme had strengthened his appreciation of the relationship between science and faith, while nurse and medical researcher, Akpenna Demenongu Donald, said the theological component would enrich his approach to healthcare, particularly in counselling patients and families dealing with chronic illness and loss. Rapper, sound engineer and video producer, Jude Ugwuanyi, said the programme had come at an important point in his career, as he seeks to deepen the spiritual and moral dimensions of his music.

Meanwhile, Ghanaian participant and electrical engineer, Anaapeesa Evans Ajuisiwon, said he intended to share the knowledge gained with fellow lay Catholics in Ghana and encourage wider participation in future CLA programmes. The internship component will combine physical and virtual placements, including opportunities with pastoral platforms, the Augustine Institute, local parishes and other institutions.

Founded in 2022, CLA seeks to raise a new generation of Catholics who are grounded in their faith and equipped to understand, live and share it with others. Fr Amadi said the response from the pioneer cohort had been encouraging, with participants demonstrating enthusiasm and openness to learning. Plans are already underway for the second cohort of the TSL programme, scheduled to commence in August 2027.