In May, Africa University’s first Doctor of Military Chaplaincy cohort will graduate, thanks to a partnership with Wesley Theological Seminary. This groundbreaking initiative – the first of its kind in Africa – represents a historic milestone for Africa University and the entire continent. Accredited by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education, the program addresses the spiritual, ethical and psychological needs of uniformed forces personnel across the continent.
Your support of the Africa University Fund apportionment supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure.
The first Doctor of Military Chaplaincy graduates hail from Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Each brings their own perspectives and critical research to the table, reflecting the breadth and depth of challenges faced by military, prison and police chaplains.
Their projects explore such issues as trauma healing, suicide prevention, marriage counseling and predeployment spiritual preparation, all deeply rooted in theological and biblical frameworks. Research topics range from the role of chaplains in addressing deployment trauma and reducing drug abuse among officers to the use of Psalms of lament for facilitating healing in families of inmates. These studies contribute meaningfully to African and global knowledge and offer practical solutions for building strong, resilient and peaceful communities.
This program aligns with Africa University's overarching vision: fostering leadership and capacity-building to drive transformation across the continent. The strategic training is essential in shaping uniformed forces as agents of peace and reconciliation in their communities. The ripple effects of equipping chaplains with advanced pastoral care skills and theological insight are expected to extend far beyond the barracks.
The newly accredited program offers exciting new options for specialization by future D. Min candidates, such as mission and evangelism, liturgical theology, church and administration, church and society, and chaplaincy ministry.
Critical to the new program’s success is the support of Chaplain Lt. Col. (retired) David Lile, formerly of the U.S. Army Africa Command, based in Rome, Italy, now at home in Kentucky.
Together, Africa University and Wesley Theological Seminary are forging pathways to more peaceful, resilient societies, one chaplain at a time.
Andra M. Stevens, Director, Communications and Creative Services, Africa University Development Office
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Africa University Fund transforms Africa by educating and empowering students from across the continent through Africa University, the first fully accredited, United Methodist-related educational institution on the continent. The Africa University Fund supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Africa University Fund at 100 percent.
