Ghanaian theologian Professor Emmanuel Lartey, the leading African scholar in the field of practical theology, has received an honorary doctorate from the University of Pretoria. He is an international specialist in pastoral care, counselling and theology in different cultural contexts and is involved in ongiong research regarding the theological implications and practical effects of pastoral care in a diversity of cultures.

'He takes the continent of Africa seriously and as a practical theologian embraces the fact that in Africa religion is generally not so much about beliefs, dogmas and creeds as it is about the performance of faith practices,' said Prof Jerry Pillay, Dean of the Faculty of Theology.

In his 2013 book, Postcolonizing God, Lartey developed a so-called African Practical Theology, arguing that the African spiritual heritages should be embraced and built upon. Likewise, in his publications on pastoral care and counselling he developed an inter-cultural and cross-cultural approach.

This approach challenged the dominant Western constructs with regard to pastoral care and offered a new approach that takes cultural differences seriously. Lartey’s work enabled scholars to look beyond the horizons of their own contextual practices and understandings, both in Africa and the rest of world.

Emmanuel Lartey has held academic positions in England and Ghana and is currently the L. Bevel Jones III Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care, and Counselling, at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, USA.

South African artist William Kentridge received an honorary doctorate from UP’s Faculty of Humanities earlier this month. The Faculty of Humanities will award an honorary doctorate to Cape Town cultural activist Mike van Graan, on 23 April. Indian historian Romila Thapar will be awarded with an honorary doctorate on 8 May, also by the Faculty of Humanities.

The University will once again live stream all graduation ceremonies. Family and friends who cannot attend in person are able to connect on www.up.ac.za.