Navigating ethnicity, nationalism and Pan-Africanism – Kimbanguists, identity and colonial borders

The Kimbanguists, whose church is based on the healing and proclamation ministry of Simon Kimbangu in 1921 Belgian Congo, challenge colonially defined borders identities multiple ways. Anticolonialism DNA Kimbanguism, yet a manner that contests inherited dichotomy between religion politics. Kimbanguists draw from holistic Kongo traditions, where spiritual material/political are inherently interwoven. Kimbangu’s home village, Nkamba, centre world for them, culture ancient kingdom form backdrop Kimbanguist view new eschatological order to come. reunification two Congo states Angola will mark inauguration era. This not, however, mean splintering Democratic Republic but rather removal colonial borders. That hints towards Pan-African vision united Africa even universally Black race play central role salvation historical drama. also contains global dimensions, their like Nkamba-centred ripples water. wipes away relativises ethnic, national racial whilst strongly subscribing narrative places Africans centre. Contribution: article contributes study nationalism as well African Instituted Churches. analysis how relate (Kinshasa) Congolese nationalism, ethnic identity Pan-Africanism missional views reveals layers complex patterns relationship all these. What facilitates simultaneous these an openness (Kimbanguist national, etc.), tendency see consisting interdependent areas human communities with holy city,