Glorifying God in Angola and Japan: Decoloniality in Igreja Mundial do Messias through Prayer, Song, and Breath

Abstract: This workshop explores decoloniality in relation to the practices of faith within Igreja Mundial do Messias Angola, the Angolan branch of Sekai Meshia Kyo, a Japanese new religion founded by Okada Mokichi (1882-1955), also known as Meishu-sama. Co-led by a church leader in Angola (Alberto) and a PhD candidate at Harvard (Naohito), the workshop draws insights from both the spiritual practices of Igreja Mundial do Messias and the academic study of religion. Audience members will be invited to join in prayer, song, and open-hearted dialogue about this new faith that started in Japan and spread to Angola via Brazil.

Presenter bios: Alberto Quifuta Pereira is Director of the International Department of Igreja Mundial do Messias Angola. Born in Uíge, Alberto entered the church in 1997 and spent several years as a missionary in South Africa and Japan, where he learned English and Japanese. His native languages are Kikongo and Portuguese.

Naohito Miura is a PhD candidate in the Committee on the Study of Religion at Harvard University. His research focuses on Japanese religions, new religious movements, and ethnography of religion. Naohito received his BA in International Relations from Pomona College and MDiv from Harvard Divinity School.

Harvard University, Committee on the Study of Religion