Decolonizing Mission

by Harvey C. Kwiyani

240 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2025

Reviews

[Kathleen Moy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides an African perspective on the historical ties between colonialism and missions.

While some may find the author’s critique quite sharp, I found his perspective to be largely fair and justified. Kwiyani acknowledges that past missionaries operated with the information available to them at the time, but he urges the modern mission world to confront the ramifications of Western Christendom's spread and identify better ways to move forward.

The book's primary weakness is its lack of practical steps. Although Kwiyani successfully highlights critical concerns, his suggestions remain largely theoretical. He does not provide clear solutions for navigating current financial and technological disparities or how to foster true interdependence rather than independence or codependency.

Despite this, I would recommend this book to anyone involved in global church ministry.

[Tyler Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really important book from an author who is well-positioned to deal with the topic. Lots of solid insight and a lot that will take further thought. I read it fairly quickly but have been lingering in different parts to continue to think this through.

One thing to note is that the book has a fairly loose form. The first few chapters are probably best viewed as historical vignettes while the latter ones are more topical. I also think that parts of this are more suggestive than compelling, but I am giving it further thought. All in all, a crucial work to carry a tricky conversation forward.

[John Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful book which starts with the authors experience growing up in Malawi next to the Livingston estate where missionary history clashes with colonial exploitation. the author embarks on a review of the roots of western mission - the book has a lot of ground to cover from the establishment of the church as a state church under Constantine to the papal edicts and the Jesuit order which typify the relationship between mission and colonisation (and enslavement). Livingston believed in the 3 intertwining forces of Christianity civilisation and commerce. This was his solution to challenge slavery in Africa. Once the historical clearing has taken place Kwiyani challenges contemporary mission which continues to be conflated with Western civilisation commercial and military interests even when the missionaries are no longer westerners. This is a valuable book because it is written by an African academic who is familiar with western missions and doesn't feel the need to pull his punches. It feels like unfinished business. There is more much more to write when the declining church institutions of the west continue to operate as if colonial christianity is the default and preferred way of operating whether at home or abroad. Recommended

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent review of the history of Christian mission and critique of its current forms.