Toni and Matthew Krabill began service in 2019 at the Paris (France) Mennonite Center. They moved to Accra, Ghana in 2024 where they support theological education and peacebuilding across Sub-Saharan Africa. Their efforts focus on fostering:
- religious scholarship,
- interfaith dialogue,
- and conflict transformation.
Below is a detailed overview of their work, particularly with The Sanneh Institute (TSI) and the Center for Justice and Peace at the Université de l’Alliance Chrétienne d’Abidjan (UACA).
The Sanneh Institute
The Sanneh Institute, located at the University of Ghana in Accra, is dedicated to advancing research and education on religion and society, with a focus on Christian-Muslim relations and societal transformation in Africa. Matthew plays a significant role in TSI’s mission to support religious scholars, leaders, and academic institutions. His specific contributions include:
- Christian-Muslim relations and peacebuilding: Matthew supports TSI’s initiatives in West Africa to promote dialogue and peacebuilding between Christian and Muslim communities. This involves fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, addressing tensions often rooted in territorial or socio-political issues, as highlighted by TSI’s 2020 conference on “Territoriality and Hospitality.”
- Research and publications: He supervises research projects and publications, ensuring rigorous academic output that contributes to African theological discourse. Matthew’s involvement includes coordinating multi-year interfaith grant projects funded by the Luce Fund for Theological Education and serving on the editorial board of Anabaptist Witness.
- Educational workshops and consultations: Matthew develops and leads workshops and consultations for young scholars, doctoral students, and faculty. These programs provide training in theological education, research methodologies, and interfaith engagement, tailored to the African context.
- Curricular development: He supports the creation of curricula for theological institutions, including courses like “Church and the Mosque,” which address the unique dynamics of Christian and Muslim interactions in Africa. This work ensures that theological education is contextually relevant and promotes societal transformation.
Center for Justice and Peace at UACA
The Center for Justice and Peace at the Université de l’Alliance Chrétienne d’Abidjan in Ivory Coast is a hub for peacebuilding education in Francophone Africa. Matthew and Toni Krabill support the Center’s initiatives, particularly its online Master’s in Conflict Transformation (MASTC), which serves French-speaking Africa and Europe. Their contributions include:
- Academic leadership: Matthew serves as the chair of the academic committee for the MASTC program, overseeing its development and implementation. The program trains pastors, missionaries and lay leaders to become peacebuilders who address conflict and promote transformation in their communities.
- Support for Francophone theological education: The Krabills collaborate with the Consortium of Evangelical Theology Schools in Francophone Africa (CITAF), where Matthew provides academic support in research and publication. This work strengthens theological institutions across the region by enhancing faculty development and curricular design.
- Online education advocacy: Building on Toni’s experience with Fuller Theological Seminary’s online programs (noted in 2018 as growing by 50% in four years), the Krabills advocate for accessible theological education through digital platforms. The MASTC program’s online format addresses the needs of busy pastors and leaders, particularly in regions like Burkina Faso, where in-person training is challenging.
Broader contributions and context
- Interfaith and Cultural Engagement: The Krabills’ work reflects a commitment to interfaith dialogue and cultural sensitivity, drawing on Matthew’s academic background in African migration, religious identity, and ecclesiology (PhD from Fuller Theological Seminary). His forthcoming book, Migrant Ecumenicities (Brill), and co-authored work, Migrant God, Migrant Faith (InterVarsity Academic), explore African immigrant churches and theological education, informing their mission approach.
- Anabaptist Perspective: As Mennonite mission workers, they emphasize reconciliation, justice, and peace, aligning with Mennonite Mission Network’s values. Their support for initiatives like the Centre de formation à la justice et à la paix (Anabaptist Seminary) at FATEAC in Abidjan underscores their commitment to Anabaptist theology in Francophone contexts.
- Community-Based Mission: Their approach is rooted in mutual learning, where they work alongside local leaders and institutions, respecting African cultural contexts and leadership, as seen in their support for TSI and UACA’s community-driven programs.
Impact and significance
The Krabills’ work addresses critical needs in Sub-Saharan Africa, where religious pluralism and conflict require thoughtful theological and practical responses. By supporting TSI, they contribute to a “dialogue of life” between Christians and Muslims, promoting peace in a region where geo-political tensions can escalate religious divides. Their involvement with UACA’s MASTC equips leaders to address conflicts in diverse settings, from local communities to international contexts, fostering sustainable peacebuilding. Their efforts also amplify African voices in global theological discourse, ensuring that African Christianity shapes the future of World Christianity, as envisioned by scholars like Lamin Sanneh.
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