ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES REGIONAL CONSULTATION ON PEACE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA HELD IN LUANDA, ANGOLA FROM THE 18TH -20TH MARCH 2019. REPORT
Table of Contents
Economic and Political History of Angola 7
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Peace and Sustainable Development Programme of the All Africa Conference of Churches is a very laudable one. The Program helps to educate and train church leaders in Africa to be alert and own the processes that go to achieve Peace and Sustainable Development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063
The initiative speaks to Aspiration number 4 of the Agenda 2063 of the AU and also responds to Sustainable Development Goal 16. The AACC as a major stakeholder with the AU in planning the actions for agenda 2063 is obliged to popularise the tenets of the agenda among church populations in Africa, given the large numbers that are into membership of the churches.
The choice of Angola as venue for the consultation was appropriate, given the historical antecedents of the nation as one ravaged by 27 years of continuous civil war that ended in 2002. Peace, Security and Development options are therefore key to the nation’s future progress and development. Fifty (50) church leaders from eight (8) Francophone and Lusophone countries participated in the 3 day event that was highly patronised.
The Angolan government and the Council of Christian Churches facilitated the participation of all foreign guests and participants. Representatives of the Angolan government from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture gave assurances of Government’s support for church –state relationships that yielded positive dividends in the past and continue to do so even today. They pledged government’s continued assistance to the Council of Churches as a partner and major stakeholder in governance at all levels.
Presentations were delivered by very astute clergymen and experts on sustainable peace and development, conflicts and violence, peace building strategies, good governance, peace and reconciliation, Christian advocacy in development, church and nation building, Agenda 2063, creative leadership and critical thinking.
Participants commented positively on the impact the conference had on them and recommended it to be a regular feature on the calendar of the AACC. One notable departure from previous ones is the holding of such conferences in the accredited AACC regions of Africa instead of constantly holding such consultations at the secretariat in Kenya that benefitted only a few leaders. The advantage of more people getting educated and trained on the issues of peace and development in the current process cannot be over emphasized.
The participants strongly recommended effective collaboration between African governments, civil society, regional economic communities and United Nation Agencies to demonstrate good practices in the management of church resources for the benefit of communities; empower youth and women economically; reform seminary curricula by integrating public theology to deal with social issues; offer ethical leadership, combat corruption, reduce poverty, promote human rights and protect human dignity on the continent.
The Peace and Sustainable Development Agenda of the AACC is on course and progressing steadily. There is the need to intensify and expand the scope of its work to reach out regularly to Regional Councils of Churches for adequate training and impartation of the necessary skills that are needed in the church to combat poverty, disease and underdevelopment that bedevil the continent. The AGENDA 2063 program in which the AACC plays a major role must also find adequate expression and traction in church programs throughout the continent.
The conference communique that captured the spirit of the conference pointed to the way forward for the Church in Africa.
Introduction
The All Africa Conference of Churches [AACC] is a continental ecumenical body that accounts for over 140 million Christians across the continent. Part of the AACC mandate is to facilitate the promotion of sustainable peace in Africa and to support the process of reconciliation and mediation initiatives in difficult situations. Throughout the years, AACC has been accompanying her member churches through civic education and election monitoring in order to promote peace and good governance. AACC has also been facilitating consultations between countries which are in crisis and also in peace.
It is in this regard that AACC held a 3 day workshop for Religious Leaders from 8 [Eight] Francophone and Lusophone countries in Africa to discuss actions needed to be taken in order to sustain peace and development in their countries. The workshop was held from the 18th – 20th March, 2019.
Main Objectives
- To equip religious leaders with skills to determine early warning signs and drivers of conflicts and how to respond.
- To identify potential areas of focus for sustainable peace and for further development.
- To enhance knowledge on Agenda 2063.
Expected Outcome
- Religious leaders have identified drivers of conflicts in their contexts
- Enhanced knowledge and capacity of religious leaders in leading the discussions on the churches role in sustainable peace and development.
- Informed religious leadership that will create platforms for discussions on the relevance of Agenda 2063 for Africa.
Methods of Presentation
- Presentations were made by selected resource persons and facilitators.
- Plenary discussions were held to engage in a mutual exchange of experiences, best practices and unique experiences of the participants.
- Group discussions.
Participants
A total of 50 leaders from Eight (8) African countries attended.
- 30 Religious leaders from Angola
- 5 Religious leaders from DRC
- 4 Religious leaders from Cameroon
- 2 Religious leaders from Gabon
- 3 Religious leaders from Togo
- 2 Religious leaders from CAR
- 2 Religious leaders from Congo Brazzaville
- 2 Religious leaders from Mozambique
The following topics were treated
- The Role of the Church in the Pursuit of Peace and Sustainable Development.
- The Church and Nation Building.
- Mobilization of Communities/ Church / Citizens for Sustainable Development.
- Christians Responses to Contemporary Threats to Peace in African Societies.
- The Call to Christian Advocacy Ministry.
- Peace and Sustainable Development: Biblical Example.
- Creative Leadership And Critical Thinking
- The Role of the Church in the Implementation of Agenda 2063.
Political and Economic History of Angola
Angola a former Portuguese colony became an independent state in 1975. However, competition for power among rival former independence movement groups led to a civil war that lasted for 27 years ending in 2002. Angola has maintained political stability since then.
In 2010, a constitution established a presidential parliamentary system that set a limit of two, five-year presidential terms and a unicameral National Assembly. The country’s first local elections are planned for 2020. Angola has a population of 29 million people and Christianity is its major religion.
President Joao Lourenco is a former army general and defense minister who succeeded former President Dos Santos after 38 years rule. Internationally, Angola is becoming more assertive and demonstrating a more steadfast commitment to peace and stability in Africa, particularly in the Great Lakes region where Angola has secured a commitment to economic and political sanctions against the region’s armed rebel groups.
Angola’s economy is overwhelmingly driven by its oil sector. Oil production and its supporting activities contribute about 50% of GDP, more than 70% of government revenue, and more than 90% of the country’s exports. Diamonds contribute an additional 5% to exports. Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for most of the people, but half of the country’s food is still imported.
A postwar reconstruction boom and resettlement of displaced persons led to high rates of growth in construction and agriculture as well. Some of the country’s infrastructure is still damaged or undeveloped from the 27-year-long civil war (1975-2002). The government since 2005 with the assistance of development partners has rebuilt Angola’s public infrastructure to a very large extent. However, the global recession that started in 2008 stalled Angola’s economic growth mainly due to continued low oil prices, and the depreciation of the currency. Corruption, especially in the extractive sectors is a major longterm challenge that poses an additional threat to the economy.
Development Challenges
Angola has made substantial economic and political progress since the end of the war in 2002. However, the country continues to face massive development challenges, which include reducing its dependency on oil and diversifying the economy; rebuilding its infrastructure; and improving institutional capacity, governance, public financial management systems, human development indicators, and the living conditions of the population.
Large pockets of the population live in poverty without adequate access to basic services, and the country could benefit from more inclusive development policies
Presentations
Proceedings of Day One – 18TH MARCH
Opening
The meeting opened at 9.00 am with inspirational songs from Mr. Guerra Manuel, a Gospel Musician.
This was followed by a prayer by Rev. Gomez who prayed for the Peace and Prosperity of Africa. He based his prayer on Psalm 133: “Behold how Good and Pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in Unity”!
Mr. Bonge, the Moderator of the conference spoke about the organisation of the meeting. He indicated that the conference was organised by the 22 member Christian council of Angola with support from the UNFPA, and the Ministry of Culture and Government of Angola who played key roles and facilitated the process. He welcomed participants from the various countries and wished them very successful deliberations.
Word of God
Rev. Masita Bangi preached the devotional sermon based on Jeremiah 22: 13; Luke 4: 18-19; and John 10: 10
He said God’s plan for Mankind is to have Life in its fullness but the disorder of Men has made this almost impossible. Justice and Peace are the bedrocks of development and are required for a harmonious life. He indicated that Jesus Christ took the side of the poor by proclaiming Peace to them through Healing and Restoration of their broken lives. Jeus Christ elaborated on the political situation of his day which was an unjust one and called for a just, equitable system that benefitted everyone. He concluded that the church is expected to play a positive role to improve the lives of citizens thereby contributing to the Peace and Welfare of the world.
Welcome address by the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Angola.
Rev. Doelinda Teca welcomed participants and expressed gratitude to the AACC for choosing Angola for the conference. She thanked also the UNFPA for providing the necessary support and the government for facilitating the Visa arrangements for all foreign participants. She spoke about the theme of the conference which deals with Peace and Development and recognised the church as a partner in that effort with government. The conference seeks to contribute to a cultural, ethical, peaceful development effort that is underpinned by human rights.
She said Angola is hospitable and making steady progress towards achieving sustainable development. She charged participants to reflect on the AU AGENDA 2063 and also the UN SDGs and help in achieving their respective goals.
She concluded that Peace in our social sectors is the most important thing all countries should strive for.
Address By Dr Bosela Eale – Director Of Programs – All Africa Conference Of Churches
Dr. Bosela, Director of Programmes at the AACC welcomed all invited Guests and participants to the conference. He said it was joy and honour for the AACC to organise this conference in collaboration with the Christian Council of Angola. He further expressed gratitude to the government through the Ministry of Culture for facilitating the travel arrangement for the foreign participants.
Dr. Bosela spoke extensively on the organisational structure of the AACC as a continental organisation that was formed in 1963. AACC has 134 member churches, 35 Associates from 39 different countries on the continent and is actively engaged in the promotion of human dignity and a peaceful future for Africa.
AACC strategies include Prophetic and Proactive presence in Africa Mobilising churches to Speak on issues with a common voice
Guiding Principles
Proactive accompaniment of churches
Issues driven and focus on result oriented programs
The AACC addresses many program strategies that included
Ecumenical Diplomacy
Economic Justice
Poverty Eradication
Peaceful Co- Existence among others.
The conference seeks to positively impact the lives of people in Africa and resonates with the AU Agenda 2063 that was adopted by African Leaders as a Long Term Vision for the continent. The AGENDA envisions all countries to contribute to the SDG Goals 10 and 16 in promoting Sustainable Peace and Development to address the perennial problems confronting the continent.
Dr. Bosela concluded by welcoming participants and wished them fruitful deliberations.
Keynote Address by Secretary of State for Culture
Dr. Maria de Jesus on behalf of the Minister expressed gratitude to the AACC for the invitation. She indicated that Angola is a state that allows church and state collaboration. Government therefore acknowledges the presence and contributions of churches that perform their activities in line with the Constitution and the development objectives. The moral and ethical values of the church in educating citizens were very much appreciated, likewise its poverty reduction projects that go to support government initiatives.
She recognised the importance of the meeting and its contributions that reflect Peace and Development in Africa. She also indicated that government objectives are aligned to the SDGs towards the eradication of abuse and violence against children, justice for all programs, reduction of corruption and illegal trade in small arms. The fight against Climate Change and the Promotion of Peace and Justice underpinned by positive partnerships are all paramount objectives of government. She gave the assurance of the church in the participation at all levels of governance and declared the conference opened.
1st. Presentation by Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni
The Situation of the Church in Peace and Development In Africa
Rev. Dr. Opuni started off by indicating that the centre of gravity of Christianity has shifted from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere especially to Africa.
He highlighted the paradox of the church growing exponentially in Africa, but at the same time leading the world in underdevelopment and social challenges. Church activities have dominated the media and every available space proclaiming miracles, prophecies etc.
The church in Africa is dominated by the youth, while the reverse is true for the US and Europe. Missionaries are now moving from Africa to the global north indicating the phenomenal growth of the church. In the midst of all these however Africa continues to register extreme poverty in the areas of health, education, unemployment etc.
Young people are migrating to Europe and some being auctioned as slaves in the process. Food insecurity, conflicts, wars and abuse of human rights continue to dominate the history of Africa. Weak institutions that promote corruption and other social vices are common in spite of church growth.
He posed the question: How do we translate the growth of the church into Peace and Sustainable Development efforts? That remains an important and critical question for the church to answer.
Rev. Dr. Opuni declared that a new conversation is needed to discuss how to translate the growth into meaningful lives for the people of Africa. The church needs transformational thinking if it is to remain relevant in the future. It is time for African Church Leaders to step up and be counted in dealing with these challenges through the messages of Hope, Life, and Relevance to the Glory of God.
The church in Africa must respond to the call of Stewardship to the societies they serve. Christian stewardship must be extended from the Cathedrals to the markets, failing which Theology becomes irrelevant. Civic stewardship must also be stepped up by sending missionaries into governance institutions to influence decision making positively. Messages of Hope must be constantly delivered.
Churches must give Missionary Responses to the AGENDA 2063 and the SDGs since these initiatives are divine and not secular. The church must give Stewardship responses and demonstrate them in practical terms and develop a common voice in responding to the SDGs.
Questions and Answers
- Which generation is the Agenda 2063 meant for in view of the unaccomplished goals of previous initiatives like NEPAD?
Agenda 2063 is the current home grown initiative and development policy of the Africa
Union that encompasses all previous ones and took into consideration all the challenges
and unfinished business of earlier policies. Moreover, the Church in Africa led by the AACC made significant contributions to the policy as a major stakeholder. The church therefore is in a position to influence these policies at the continental level with the leverage they now enjoy as a partner to the AU with its liaison status for the benefit of the present and future generations.
- How can the church intervene to make the Goals short term for the benefit of citizens?
The church should make the issues in the agenda relevant and try solving them in realistic and practical terms. They should continue to contribute to the development of social services like hospitals and schools from where the Missionaries ended.
2nd. Presentation
Role of the Church in Peace Building Strategies during Conflicts in Africa
Rev. Daniel Ntoni-A- Nzinga recounted the colonial history of Angola. He also traced the source of conflict from the Berlin Conference through the bi-lateral talks held between Portugal and France regarding the creation of the Angolan state. He indicated that armed conflict finally ended and agreement was reached that reinforced the 1991 one. He further opined that countries that were created by the power of war or arms have never known Peace. The independence of Angola was proclaimed after a long drawn struggle in 1974 when Portugal gave up after realising that it was not possible to continue with the war.
He posed the question: What is Peace in the wake of all these conflicts?
Peace is therefore difficult to talk about in States that have gone through such conflicts. The relationship of the church with the state was not good during the post-independence period. Discussions with government were more ideological than political. After 1975, all hopes to have a lasting Peace were frustrated but the Church was determined to stay the course even when it became labelled along the line of the feuding parties. The Marxist Government at the time did not consider the social services of the church as beneficial; however, when the church had secured relief items for refugees at the time from foreign agencies, the government shared it with them.
The churches through their heads tried to engage the head of government at the time which yielded some positive results through the realisation of the positive nature of the church’s contribution to the state. Peace is important for development, a position the church in Angola has espoused aggressively with the state. The church must remain relevant to the development t needs of her people through prayers, education, care and concern for their basic needs especially in agriculture. Fate of Angolans must not be decided by people who don’t have the mandate to do so. Peace should be a common experience of living together in harmony and co – existence.
Rev. Nzinga concluded by saying that we need to rethink Africa but certainly not one defined and created by the colonialists. In his opinion, Independence did not solve the problems.
Being Evangelical is to live the Reality of the Gospel.
Questions and Answers
- What can Angola do to rectify the faulty start of the State ? [Specific reference to Angola]
The South Africa Development Community was originally formed by member states with home grown ideas and specific goals which started very well with commitment from all. However, when the organization started receiving financial and development assistance from Development Partners, the original Vision and Mission got lost.
- How do we rethink Africa and its Development?
Africa needs to develop its own Theology of Development that re -creates Africa based on what God needs us to do. The church that is not for People of God is not a Church.
3rd. Presentation
Common Drivers of Conflict in Africa
Prof. Mulanda Juma premised his presentation on Genesis 6 and indicated that the absence of integrity and Justice contributes to violence and that conflicts take place when people strive for contradictory positions. Lack of social inclusion, medical support and other critical needs are also drivers of conflict. He called for more attention to be paid to cultural violence that expresses superiority of one over the other. Cultural violence promotes tribal and ethnic wars and referred to Kofi Annan’s definition of Peace and enumerated some factors that promote violence such as Ethnic and Economic. Africa continues to keep and promote aspects of colonial monopolies that caused conflicts, for example Political Monopoly as in Togo, Rwanda, Cameroon and other countries and called for techniques to be developed to deal with such situations.
Corruption as a major source of conflict is manifested in various forms such as increased gap between rich and poor; social inequality; weak institutions and loss or negligence of good talent which does not allow for economic development. Corruption perpetuates poverty and could be transmitted from generation to generation.
Religious differences, abuse of power, and insecurity also drive conflicts.
African Leaders must respect the laws that govern alliances to avoid conflicts. Africa must rethink ethics in view of the modern concepts of money grabbing that has become a way of life. Nature of political power in Africa where the winner takes all is not helpful. Lack of transparency in governance, weak institutions and electoral malpractices continue to drive conflicts.
Rwanda, Burundi and others change constitutions to stay in power. This actions bring about conflict when peoples wishes are suppressed
Churches must not be afraid to speak out openly about all forms of abuse.
Economy of War
In Africa, Liberia and Sierra Leone are examples where natural resources of the state are targeted by external forces whose actions continue to fuel conflicts. The European Union and other states refuse to end sales of arms to Africa militias and rebel forces. Rebel wars are perpetuated due to the mineral resources and wealth that are available to them for the purchase of such arms.
External Factors
Deliberate weakening of African governments by external forces promotes conflicts and violence. The example of Libya where there is competition for the oil resources are evident. Colonialists continue to take away the wealth of Africa which is a form of corruption that also fuel violence.
Questions and Answers
- What can we do to ensure the security of governments to enable them quit power voluntarily?
Improvement of Leadership in Africa at all levels could solve the problem
- How can we regain our integrity as a people?
Promote and enhance the cultural values that are left with us.
4th Presentation
Current situation of Peace in the DRC and Mozambique
Archbishop Nyamuke who presented for the DRC indicated that the DRC was in conflict for many years with the existence of many rebel groups that perpetrated rape, violence and murder. The wealth of DRC attracted a lot of internal and external interested forces. These forces actually create and arm the rebels to enable them continue looting the natural resources of the Congo, while poverty, lack of good education and jobs and distributive justice contributed to the situation.
Elections were held in December 2018 with the election of a new President. The first time that political power changed hands peacefully from one government to the other; however, some challenges exist. Some political leaders claim they won in the elections but were denied victory. The current President however, moves freely within the country, while the former president controls 95% of Parliament and appears to wield enormous influence by this configuration. All these notwithstanding, democratic air is blowing over the DRC where citizens now demonstrate without violence and people talk and act freely. However, there is much more to be done to achieve a lasting Peace in the DRC.
Mozambique
Rev. Jose Tovela Jnr. Presented and also indicated that Mozambique gained independence in 1975 after a 10 year struggle with the Portuguese. The church was involved in the struggle by engaging with other citizen groups to help the liberation movements fight the Portuguese. Post-independence brought along its own challenges which created another fraternal war. The church through the Christian Council engaged the feuding parties, and lobbied Kenya, Tanzania and Rome to assist in the peace talks. Finally, the forces laid down their arms. After Samora Machel, another 20 years followed with alternate governments. However, the Peace was threatened each time during elections with opposition parties never accepting the results.
In 2014, President Gebusa ended his 2nd term and a new president was elected, who promised to promote peace through leadership by example. He visited the countryside to meet with some of the rebel leaders to talk Peace which resulted in the signing of some agreements.
In 2018, the leadership of RENAMO moved to the capital to sign a peace agreement with the government. Currently, former RENAMO soldiers are being integrated into the national security services and assigned duties. During the elections, RENAMO won 8 Municipal seats which was not possible in the past. Opposition parties are now participating in talks that will lead to elections in the 2019. These are very positive developments and the church must be prayed for to maintain the Peace in Mozambique.
PROCEEDINGS OF DAY TWO – 19th MARCH
The meeting started with a morning devotion led by Rev. Clement from Benin. He based the WORD on Psalm 100 , Gen 45: 4,5,8,11 &15.
He based his theme on the “Joseph Story” and said that Even though Joseph suffered from the hands of his blood brothers and had the opportunity to seek revenge against them, he rather forgave them. Joseph used the opportunity to restore his relationship with his brothers. The church was invited to take a cue from such magnanimity knowing fully that forgiveness is a virtue. Christians must remain in fellowship with God by modelling the character of Jesus Christ. He invited the Peace of God to illuminate the day.
1st Presentation
The Role of the Church In Promotion Of Peace And Reconciliation
Rev. Dr. Opuni made a comparative analysis of the situation in Africa and indicated that there is an improved situation of Peace and Security now in Africa, compared to the situation that existed in the 1970s and 80s. and said there are very deep wounds and hurts in the history of past. He cited examples across Africa from Togo, Rwanda, Liberia Sierra Leone that have some relative peace currently but continues to hurt. It is therefore time to move towards National Cohesion and Peace because the Peace of Africa is threatened and the Church must lead the effort.
Churches in Africa need to redeem their image and integrity due to the negative roles some of them played during the conflict years in their countries and cited examples in Rwanda, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Churches are enjoined to seek the Peace of the various nations He underpinned the statements with quotations from Jeremiah 29:7; Psalm 122:6; Luke 4:18-19 and Matt 5:9
Dr. Opuni also indicated that the church must function as an Institution of Calm by answering the following questions:
- Am I my Brother’s Keeper?
- Relevant Religion
- Christian social witness by pursuing the Mission of God
The following suggestions were made towards Peace and Reconciliation.
- Shape worldview and Public opinion through Christian education and Faith Values
- Seminaries must run programs in Peacebuilding, Sustainable Development, Good Governance as Public Theologies
- Develop relevant theologies on Peace and Sustainable Development
- Sound and balanced spirituality
- Build capacities of Church Leaders in Mediation and Reconciliation
- Peace building must be considered as part of Christian Ministry
- Engage with those in Power
- Speak truth to Power
He concluded by saying that church leaders must work towards commitment of Peace.
Questions and Answers
- How do you deal with Resistance from political power holders who refuse to open their doors for dialogue e.g. Togo?
It is important to share best political practices as a form of advocacy to engage. Example of the visit of the DRC delegation to Ghana to interact with the electoral commission and past and present political leaders yielded good results
- What should be the procedure for spiritual restoration for healing in countries like Rwanda, Burundi etc?
The church must be bold enough to apologise publicly to redeem its integrity and image since some church leaders participated actively in the genocide.
2nd. Presentation
Chritaian Response To Contemporary Threats To Peace And Reconciliation In African Society
Prof. Mulanda Juma said recording and documentation of events is a big challenge in Africa which has resulted in the continent loosing necessary and important history that could have served as a guide to prevent certain future occurrences.
He enumerated some very important roles the church should constantly observe to head off threats to Peace and reconciliation. The first role is for the church to be visionary.
Visionary
Quoting from the book of Ezekiel, he indicated that the church was to serve as watchmen of the nation as a prophetic responsibility, be well informed of current situations and be able to see far beyond what others could not see. The church should differentiate between various parts of problems, analyse situations carefully before tackling them. They must collect relevant information that helps to identify the real issues and tackle them from the root.
Advocacy
The Church must work for change, be active and a have a credible agenda. They must be well informed to be able to carry out any effective advocacy. Peaceful mobilisation and and demonstrations are necessary and the church must not be averse to such positive moves. They must stand up to the abuse of the human rights for the poor and marginalised in society.
Build Bridges
The church must serve as a bridge that links people to peace in conflict to peace, and establish trust. They should establish separate contacts with feuding parties and put in place effective mechanisms that serve as platforms for the parties.
Guide
The church must provide a guiding hand to carry and direct people and empower local communities and act as catalyst, playing its role as a mediator and pacifier.
Mediator
The church should clearly understand the difference between mediation and negotiation and move constructively in dealing with difficult situations when they arise.
Healing
The church must lead the processes of healing in all situations.
Transformation
The church must be transformed at all levels. Christian values and ethics must be employed in the processes of transformation to make it effective.
3rd. Presentation
Call to Cristian Advocacy in Sustainable Development
Rev. Dr. Opuni said advocacy must be taken as a Ministry in the church. Many churches in Africa have not paid adequate attention to separating political interest from National interest. Democracy demand for citizens’ participation in national issues hence the church must endeavour to bring Christian perspectives to public issues.
Ezekiel 20:30 demonstrated how God wanted someone to intervene and fill the gap for others but did not find one.
Advocacy is pleading the cause of others and is carried out on behalf of unheard voices by providing them with a platform to be heard.
Democracy thrives when people express themselves freely, for which reason the church needs to develop advocacy ministries. Vibrant civil society organisations including churches are needed in Africa to advocate.
Specific strategies to consider in advocacy include
- Special prayers
- Spread communiques
- Build websites
- Press releases and Statements
- Pastoral Letters
- Peaceful walks and demonstrations
- Public education and awareness creation
- Mobilise for peace and sustainable development
4th. Presentation
The Church and Nation Building
Prof. Juma said nation building involves establishment of foundations. Steps to nation building should involve
- Praying for Justice
- Capacity building and Peace are essential elements
Structures that are necessary for sustainable development should include the following:
- Legal institutions
- Good Electoral processes
- Sharing of national resources equitably
Focusing on the role for nation building requires education that enables people to understand issues well and becomes a very important element of sustainable development.
Knowledge of the laws infringed are necessary for retribution
Strategy for refereeing
- helps parties to resolve issues by remaining neutral
- negotiations should be used
- mediate conflicts
- patience and good listening are qualities of a mediator
Question and Answer
- What happens when churches advocate at cross purposes?
The social contract with citizens must be observed and utilized by building useful partnerships with the media, interfaith groups and civil society.
5th. Presentation
Strategies for Pacification
Prof Juma enumerated the strategies for pacification as follows:
- Levels of Stakeholders
- Ability to meet
Sometimes violence is used as a strategy to achieve peace.
Advocacy to de- militarize and reduce cost of arms to support national development efforts and the transformation of former rebels into regular forces.
He concluded by saying that reconciliation takes us from bad situations to good ones. However, these processes take time because healing is a part of the process.
DAY 3
Morning devotion by Rev. Clement was based on 2 Samuel 2: 1-14.
He admonished that we should be slow in judgement to avoid mistakes as exemplified in the text. He called on the church to examine herself very well before pronouncing on others. The church should acknowledge her own weaknesses in order to be able to help others.
1st. Presentation
Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want
Prof. Bosela Eale gave an elaborate account of the colonial history of Africa through the liberation struggle days that culminated in the independence of most states today. He indicated that in 2013, the 50th. Anniversary for the OAU was held in Uganda, and as part of the celebrations selected African intellectuals and politicians met to evaluate the achievements of the OAU and issues confronting the continent. They decided to chart a new progressive course for the next 50 years and produced a Plan of Action christened as AGENDA 2063, meaning where they wanted the continent to achieve and to be in the next 50 years
The plan had these seven 7 distinct Aspirations
- A Prosperous Africa Based on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development
- An Integral Continent, United on the Political Plan and Anchor in the Ideas of PanAfricanism and the Vision of the African Renaissance
- An Africa of Good Governance, Democracy, Respect for Human Rights, Justice and the Rule of Law.
- A Peaceful and Secure Africa
- An Africa with Strong Cultural Identity, Common Heritage, Values and Shared Ethics
- An Africa whose Development is People Driven, Relying on the Potential of African People, its women and youth, And Caring for Children.
- An Africa as a Strong, United, Resilient and Influential Global Player and Partner
Overall Goal
By 2063, we want Africa to be a continent of shared prosperity, with the resources needed to drive its own development through sustainable and long-term management of its resources.
Dr. Bosela indicated that the present engagement speaks to Aspiration No. 4 [A Peaceful and Secure Africa] for which reason sensitization of church leaders in Africa has become very necessary to enable fruitful and positive engagement with citizens for the achievement of the AGENDA 2063 Plan of Action.
The AACC, representing the church in Africa was duly consulted and engaged in all the processes of the Action Plan and is thus a major stakeholder with the AU.
Popularisation of The Agenda 2063
It is expected that the church in Africa through the AACC will disseminate information on the vision, given the religious nature of the African and bring to bear the spiritual and ethical aspect to Agenda 2063.
Church leaders are therefore to acquaint themselves very well with the document with the aim of educating their flock by instituting church programmes that reflect the tenets of Agenda 2063 to ensure positive results aimed at achieving the overall goal of the Plan.
2nd. Presentation
Creative Leadership and Critical Thinking
Dr. Bosela defined creative leadership as: A Leadership that creates by bringing out something new. A good leader knows the way, shows the way, and walks the way!!
Leadership is a “function” and not just a “position” – Leaders move people from lower heights to greater heights, change circumstances; innovate and initiate.
They make group members feel important; impart a sense of confidence and ownership motivate and mobilize the group towards a new and higher goal.
Leadership is not about riding on the backs of people, getting into positions of power, demanding to be served, seeking comfort and that of family or clan or tribe, ordering people about and issuing threats. Leadership is about influencing for change and for the most part a problem solving process.
Creative leaders see, think, feel, hear and imagine what no one else does based on a good knowledge of themselves and what drives them, underpinned by a positive attitude. They create value by implementing new or adjusting and improving old ideas.
Creative leadership requires intellectual preparation to cope with the unexpected, unpredictable and rapid changes. Creative leaders bring about change and visualize further opportunities.
Creative leaders embrace ambiguity, reframe problems as opportunities, read and understand the environment, build alliances, recognize the importance of social responsibility, and encourage creativity.
Creativity is therefore crucial to success in every endeavour.
Impact
Selected participants gave their views about their impressions of the conference.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Akotia from Togo – “ I think it is a great meeting and am satisfied with all the presentations because my country Togo is affected by these issues. Am happy to participate and I expect a change when I get back”
Archbishop Nyamuke from DR. Congo – “As for me, it is a good conference. It gave those of us from Congo the opportunity to observe many things and how the Church is to handle issues of Peace and Development. It also gave us opportunity to understand how other countries are handling these issues”
General Secretary of the Christian Council of Angola
“ I have a very good impression about this conference especially being the first time that such regional meeting has been organized, involving Lusophone, Francophone and Anglophone people. The themes of the conference are very relevant for the future development of the church in Africa. Such conferences should be held regularly to update church leaders. A follow up action will be needed to evaluate the success of this program”
Rev. Major Mario – Angola
“I have a very good impression about this conference. The issues discussed are all important and relevant for Africa. However, we are not only to hear about these but also to go back and take action by applying the knowledge and skills in our churches, communities and countries. We need to show leadership by example by influencing and advocating for Peace and Sustainable Development in our various places.”
Recommendations
Participants regarded the meeting as a positive step towards attaining the goal of Peace and Sustainable development in Africa. They expressed the desire to get these regional conferences organized regularly to reach a wider audience and keep church leaders alert and acquainted with development issues. Such knowledge and skills acquired could prevent and mitigate the occurrence of conflicts and keep Africa safe.
Participants further called on the church and church leadership, African governments, Regional Economic Communities, Civil Society, Faith Based Organizations, the African Union and United Nations Agencies to collaborate effectively and demonstrate good practices in the management of church resources for the benefit of communities; empower youth and women economically; reform seminary curricula by integrating public theology to deal with social issues; and offer ethical leadership, combat corruption, reduce poverty, promote human rights and protect human dignity on the continent
Conclusion
The Peace and Sustainable development program of the All Africa Conference of Churches is a laudable one. There is the need to intensify and expand the scope of its work to reach out regularly to Regional Councils of Churches for adequate training and impartation of the necessary skills that are needed in the church to combat poverty, disease and underdevelopment that bedevil the continent.
The AGENDA 2063 program of the AU in which the AACC is a major stakeholder and player must also find adequate expression and traction in church programs throughout the continent.
Church leaders are to ensure that the messages reach their flock and make adequate arrangements for the relevant transfer of knowledge and skills in the education, training and dissemination on all the issues. Evaluation and follow up actions should be instituted to monitor the delivery of results in that direction.
AACC should continue to partner with the relevant global partners for the institution of such pertinent programs for the benefit of the church in Africa for the sustenance of Peace, Security and Development.
