Light of Life Christian Group as a New Branch on Zimbabwe's Ecumenical Tree: Toward a New Theology of the Inner Church in Southern Africa

Abstract

precis: This essay explores the ecumenical character of a new branch on Zimbabwe's ecumenical tree. The Light of Life Christian Group is an eclectic parachurch organization, composed largely of members from such mainline churches as Roman Catholic, Anglican, Salvation Army, Methodist, Baptist, and Lutheran churches, among others. It examines the movement's new theology of the Inner Church/Inner Circle in light of Zimbabwe's heavily polarized ecumenical landscape. Fundamentally, the movement clings resolutely to the belief that being a member of the Inner Church/Inner Circle implies Christ Consciousness. It roundly downplays and rejects the outward forms of religion and emphasizes being true disciples and representatives of Christ on earth. The main argument is that, even though this is a new branch on Zimbabwe's ecumenical tree, it is under constant scrutiny and perpetual stigmatization, particularly from some drivers of key ecumenical bodies in Zimbabwe, which suggests and advances a theology that seeks to minimize denominational parochialism and prevent churches from monopolizing God, whose intricate and multifaceted nature is present in all religions, cultures, and denominations.