THE DOCTRINE OF PURGATORY AND ITS RELELVANE IN AFRICA

Abstract

This paper seeks to delineate the doctrine of purgatory from dogmatic perspective and show its relevance in Africa from pastoral perspective. The work presents the scriptural and traditional teaching of the Catholic Church on the dogma of purgatory and then explores the elements in which Christians can find the meaning of the doctrine especially in relating the Christian faith, to the practical and pastoral ways of understanding and facing with hope the reality of death in the African families and Small Christian communities.