Blessings in disguise : a critical evaluation of the effects of war and changes in governance in Nigeria on Qua Iboe Mission (Mission Africa) and its work in Nigeria (1939-1979)

• Main Author: Ekanem, Gail Alexandra
• Published: Queen's University Belfast 2016
• Subjects: 266
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.706461

This research investigates the history of the Qua Iboe Mission (now Mission Africa) between the years 1939 and 1979. More specifically, it evaluates the impact of WWII, independence and the Nigerian civil war on QIM’s educational and medical work, on its areas of influence (Qua Iboe, Igala and Bassa) and more particularly on the development of the Qua Iboe Church as a fully functioning indigenous Church. QIM not only wanted to establish an indigenous Church, it was moving towards that goal. However, generally, implementation of the policy of indigenisation appeared slow. Between 1939 and 1979, momentous events propelled QIM forward; instability of the times brought uncertainty concerning QIM’s future and demonstrated the need to secure the Church’s future; the demise of the myth of white superiority began to change the historic missionary/indigene relationship from paternalism to partnership; the rise of AlCs challenged Missions to implement national leadership; increased governmental involvement in education and medical work freed QIM to focus more directly on church work; these events spurred QIM to be more proactive about training; absence of overseas funding encouraged self-support; fewer missionaries overseas provided opportunity for Nigerians to gain experience; each event brought renewed concern to implement the policy of indigenisation, with the Nigerian civil war acting as the final tipping point. Often seen as detrimental to the missionary endeavour, these events were blessings in disguise for the indigenous Church. This research adds an individual Mission’s voice to several conversations: the role of indigenes in Christianity’s expansion and in WWII; the effects of WWII, independence and the Nigerian civil war on mission generally; the relationship between colonialism, nationalism, African Independent Churches, African theology and Missions. It contributes specifically to a greater understanding of the factors that accelerated the implementation of QIM’s policy of indigenisation.