Book review: Decolonizing Missions

Harvey C. Kwiyani’s Decolonizing Mission is a bold and deeply African reflection on the relationship between Christian mission and colonial power. Writing as a Malawian theologian shaped by both African Christianity and Western missionary structures, Kwiyani offers a compelling call for African Christians to reclaim their missional identity with confidence and theological clarity.

The book opens by tracing how, from the time of Constantine, Christian mission became intertwined with imperial power. This history, Kwiyani argues, produced the enduring perception that mission “belongs” to powerful nations and wealthy Christians. Yet, he avoids simplistic accusations. He honours the sincerity of many missionaries who resisted imperial agenda even as he critiques the systems that often shaped their work.

Some of the most moving sections arise from Kwiyani’s own family history, including the story of Magomero and the legacy of John Chilembwe. These narratives reveal how mission and colonial power sometimes collided in painful ways – reminding readers why the work of decolonization remains pastorally and historically significant.

Theologically, Kwiyani grounds his vision in Jesus’ ministry under Roman occupation. He presents the gospel as a counter‑imperial narrative, marked by non-coercive, justice-oriented witness. If mission is to reflect Christ, Kwiyani argues, it must resist every form of domination, whether cultural, political, or theological.

Kwiyani also challenges contemporary mission language, questioning assumptions hidden in phrases such as “cross-cultural mission,” “unreached peoples,” or “white saviourism.” While some critiques may overgeneralise, they raise necessary questions about partnership, humility, and who gets to be considered a “missionary” in the twenty-first century.

The book concludes with a hopeful vision of mission that is collaborative rather than controlling, rooted in Christ rather than culture, and shaped by a global church in which Africans play a central, Spirit-empowered role.

Overall, Decolonizing Mission is a stimulating and provocative book that will spark important conversations across the continent. It invites African believers to step forward confidently as full participants in God’s mission, while challenging Western partners to pursue humility, reciprocity, and shared learning.