Accra Confession consultation re-energizes region

The African consultation on the 10th anniversary of the Accra Confession not only renewed strong interest in the confession, it re-energized the activities of the Communion in Africa.

Organized in partnership by the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) and the African Communion of Reformed Churches (ACRC), the consultation brought together more than two dozen participants from across the continent. Also in attendance were Dora Arce-Valentin, the WCRC executive secretary for justice, and Chis Ferguson, the WCRC general secretary.

The Accra Confession, a prophetic statement on economic and environmental justice, was created in 2004 by the then World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC). WARC has since become a part of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC).

Consultation participants used a variety of means to approach the Accra Confession: Bible studies, critical theological analysis and reflections on the ecological, economic, socio-political and religious context on the continent of Africa.

The consultation then grappled with the need to move out of the “mission-station” mind-set, identifying some of the theological principles and activities in the interim to advance its work of the Accra Confession.

“The Accra Confession brings out the injustices at all levels in human society,” said Lydia Adajawah, ACRC president. “A true introspection enables all to note the negative roles we play as individuals and/or member churches in perpetuating these evil acts.”

Participants also noted that it was not only important to gather together regularly, but essential to work as a Communion in the future. “Working together is the only way we can understand each other from the various contexts,” said Adajawah. It also enables the best use of the human, material, financial and other resources available.

The consultation crafted a statement to be brought to the global consultation on the 10th anniversary of the Accra Confession, to be held at the beginning of November in Hannover, Germany.

• Read the full statement. [PDF]

The consultation was held 26-28 September, 2014, at the Desmond Tutu Centre of the All Africa Conference of Churches in Nairobi, Kenya.