Paul Gifford spoke informally to some staff and some graduate students at the Blanquerna School of Communication and International Relations at the Universitat Ramon Llull in Barcelona, at the invitation of the director of the Media, Religion and Culture Observatory, Dr Miriam Diez Bosch. The opportunity was available between lectures from 14.00 to 15.00 hours.

“I spoke of the different kinds of Christianity in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly that between the mainline or mission churches who are characteristically and deeply involved in development, and the newer Pentecostal-like churches, many of which cater for the more ‘religious’ needs of Africans or the preoccupation with spiritual forces regarded as responsible for so many misfortunes in life.”

Some of those participating had extensive experience of Africa, and the lively discussion centered on the political role of both forms of Christianity, of particular interest to those in the International Relations programme.