Account for the rise of independent churches in East Africa.

The rise of independent churches in Kenya can be attributed to several factors:

• Cultural Relevance: Many Africans found the teachings and practices of missionary churches to be culturally insensitive and alien to their traditional beliefs. Independent churches incorporated African cultural practices and traditions into their worship, making them more relevant and appealing to the local population.
• Resistance to Colonialism: Independent churches emerged as a form of resistance against colonial rule and the dominance of European missionaries. They provided a platform for Africans to assert their identity and challenge the social and political inequalities imposed by the colonial administration.
• Need to unite African: Africans started independent churches in order to unite themselves.
• Inspiration factor: Kenyans were inspired by successful independent churches elsewhere such as in USA.
• Discrimination of African clergy: Europeans took long to ordain African clergy. The frustrated clergy took on to independent churches.
• Spiritual Autonomy: Africans sought spiritual autonomy and the freedom to interpret Christianity in ways that resonated with their cultural and spiritual needs. Independent churches allowed for greater flexibility in religious practices and leadership, empowering local communities.
• Education and Leadership: The missionary education system inadvertently produced a class of educated Africans who began to question the teachings and authority of European missionaries. These educated Africans played a crucial role in the formation and leadership of independent churches.
• Social and Economic Support: Independent churches often provided social and economic support to their members, including education, healthcare, and financial assistance. This made them attractive to many Africans who were marginalized by the colonial system.
• External support: some independent churches obtained external support from UAS and Israel to support their mission.
• Religious conflicts: especially in Buganda caused some Christians to lose trust in the missionary led churches and decided to form their own.
• Lengthy education requirement: Emphasis on education as a prerequisite for baptism forced those that resented this requirement to join independent churches such as African Orthodox church of Mukasa.
• Economic reasons: Some Africans/pastors formed independent churches in order to control the offerings.

These factors combined to create a fertile ground for the rise of independent churches in East Africa during the colonial period.

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science