Abstract
The growing popularity of Pentecostal Charismatic Churches (PCCs) in Africa has often been analysed in terms of their characteristics of rupture with traditional religions and kinship, rather than tolerance for other religions, and has been widely discussed in relation to contemporary economic and political dynamics. However, their healing practices, which have opened spaces for religious plurality, have not received sufficient analytical attention despite becoming people’s immediate motivation to join the PCCs. PCCs’ practices are characterised by strong bodily engagement and affectivity. Drawing on empirical cases from Benin, this paper aims to understand the popularity of PCCs and religious plurality from the perspective of healing and affectivity. First, I will explore the healing itineraries of PCCs’ followers in Southern Benin to shed light on their complexity and the role of affects. Second, I will focus on how healing efficacy is felt through PCCs’ religious practices and clarify their material and affective characteristics. Through this analysis, I will discuss how affective healing practices found in PCCs have influenced their growth, as well as the religious plurality of contemporary Africa.
