John Azumah

Career

Azumah is a native of Ghana.

Azumah received an external diploma in Christian theology from Trinity Theological Seminary, Ghana with University of Ghana, Legon (1989), a M.A. (1994) and a Ph.D. (1998) from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. He has held a number of positions in both the academic and ecclesiastical world. In the ecclesiastical field he has served as an Evangelist for the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (1982–86), Second Minister for the Presbyterian Congregation in Sunyani (1989–90), the Minister In-Charge of the Presbyterian Congregation in London (1996–98), and the District Minister of Presbyterian Churches in London (2010–11). He has also served in a variety of other roles within the church. He was the Co-ordinator for PCG Northern Outreach Programme in Accra (1998–2000), the Pioneer Co-ordinator for Northern Outreach Programme in Kumasi 91990-1993), and the Acting Director for the Presbyterian Lay Training Centre in Tamale (2003–04). He has as well served as the International Deputy Director of the Lausanne Movement in Africa (2004-2007).

In the academic field he has taught at a number of different institutions. He has served in India as the Visiting Lecturer at SAIACS in Bangalore (2001–05), the Senior Lecturer at Henry Martyn Institute in Hyderabad (2000–01), and the Senior Lecturer at Union Biblical Seminary in Pune (2001–03). Additionally, he was also the Senior Research Fellow at the Akrofi-Christaller Institute in Ghana (2004–08), the Visiting Senior Lecturer at George Whitfield College in Cape Town (2001), the Visiting Senior Lecturer at Pentecost University College in Accra (2005–10), the Founding Director of Interfaith Research & Resource Centre in Accra (2006–08), and the Director for the Centre of Islamic Studies in London (2008–11). He currently serves as the Associate Professor of World Christianity & Islam and the Director of International Programs at Columbia Theological Seminary (2011–present).

Thought

In addition to speaking around the world, Azumah has written a number of books and has contributed to a large range of publications. He is a strong advocate for ecumenical dialogue between Islam and Christianity.

He identifies five faces of Islam as: “the missional face (the face that seeks to convert the world to Islam), the mystical face (the face that focuses more on spiritual things), the ideological or political face (the face that seeks to occupy the public sphere by implementing sharia or Islamic law), the militant face (this is the face of Islam that seeks to achieve its ends by the use of violence), and the progressive face (this face is usually self-critical and seek to reread the Koran in light of present realities).” He believes that many Christians only see Islam through one of these faces and urges them to see Islam instead as an amalgamation of them all. Azumah grew up as a Muslim, in a Muslim family, and converted to Christianity so he understands the importance of nurturing dialogue between the two traditions. This is especially true in the context of today's world, where many people misunderstand the Islam faith. He states that “during difficult times foolish people build walls and wise people build bridges. My hope is that we have many more people who’ll be willing to build bridges.” He continues to be a leader throughout the world in facilitating and encouraging interfaith dialogue and understanding.

Publications