Title: Rethinking the Ecclesial Legacy and Transcendent Vision of Archbishop Henri Streicher in Uganda: An evaluation of His Contribution to the Growth of the Catholic Church
Authors: Associate Professor Mark Kiiza
Volume: 10
Issue: 8
Pages: 231-237
Publication Date: 2026/08/28
Abstract:
: This paper rethinks the ecclesial legacy and transcendent vision of Archbishop Henri Streicher through a theological and philosophical evaluation of his contribution to the growth of the Catholic Church in Uganda. It examines his pastoral ministry within contemporary debates on alternative approaches to evangelization and ecclesial development in response to the social, cultural, and developmental challenges facing Uganda and the wider African context. The study argues that prevailing models of Church development often emphasize institutional expansion while overlooking the Church's transcendent mission of proclaiming the Gospel and fostering communion with God. The used a theological reflection, philosophical analysis, and historical inquiry, the paper proposes a critical re-evaluation of ecclesial development by moving beyond conventional paradigms toward a vision grounded in the mission Dei, human dignity, participation, and inculturation. It contends that authentic Church development is measured not merely by numerical growth but by the formation of mature Christian communities rooted in faith, charity, and service. The paper further introduces the concept of the propagation state of the Catholic faith as a theological framework for strengthening pastoral care and evangelization in Uganda and the Great Lakes region of East Africa. Streicher's missionary and episcopal ministry is presented as a participatory and community-centered model of evangelization that sought to make Jesus Christ known, loved, and followed through dialogue, catechesis, and collaborative pastoral leadership. The study concludes that Archbishop Streicher's legacy offers enduring theological and philosophical insights for renewing evangelization and pastoral care, providing a transformative model of ecclesial growth that remains relevant to the Catholic Church in Uganda and across Africa.