A handbook of councils and churches profiles of ecumenical relationships

Church Family: Anglican

Membership: 505,000

Synods: 7

Parishes: 86

Priests: 114

Member of: WCC (1975) – AACC – CCCM – ACC

Periodical: planning to publish Le Phare (in French)

The first Anglican missionary arrived in Madagascar in 1864, sent by the Soci­ety for the Propagation of the Gospel. In 1874 the diocese of Madagascar was founded. It was divided into three in 1969, and two more dioceses were created in 2003. The number of Anglicans in Madagascar began to grow rapidly as of 1991 (Anglican Decade of Evangelism) and is estimated at close to 500,000. The church is open to cooperation and social activities: dispensaries, schools, orphan­ages, training centres and various types of development work. It is committed ecu­menically and endeavours to put its talents at the service of the ecumenical movement. The clergy are trained at St Paul’s College, near the capital.

The Anglican Church in Mauritius started as the “Church of England in Mau­ritius” after Great Britain took over the country from France in 1810. At first its ministers were civil chaplains serving the colonial administration. The church undertook educational, social and medical work and was supported by two Eng­lish missionary societies, the Church Missionary Society and the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. As the church grew, indigenous pastors were trained and ordained to the ministry. Mauritius is a microcosm of different cultures and faiths, eastern and western, Asian, African and European. The Anglican Church embraces the different cultures and strives to be relevant to the society, in spite of its minority position. It maintains a theological college and centres for the care of old people and blind and unwanted children, and two secondary schools. Besides its commitment to mission and evangelism, it seeks to be involved in interfaith dialogue.

Until 1973 when it became a diocese in its own right the Anglican Church in the Seychelles was part of the church in Mauritius. The diocese has a theological training centre.

The province of the Indian Ocean was formed in 1973, comprising the islands of Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and La Réunion. The see of the province depends on where the primate resides. La Réunion is not a diocese, it is a mis­sionary area placed directly under the care of the province.

Church Family: Uniting and United Membership: 3,500,000 Regional Synods: 36 Congregations: 5795 Pastors: 1,200 Member of: WCC (1969) – AACC – CCCM – WARC – ARCA – CWM – Cevaa Periodicals: Vaovao FJKM (news bulletin, in Malagasy, French and English);

The first missionaries sent by the London Missionary Society landed in the country in 1818. Between 1820 and 1835 some schools were opened, the first church was founded and the entire Bible was translated into Malagasy. For a period up to 1861 the missionaries were unwelcome, and the Malagasy Christians were severely persecuted. In 1862, under a more liberal reign, LMS missionaries were allowed back in Antananarivo. When they came, they found a very active indigenous church. In 1864, a small group of Quakers came to work in coopera­tion with the LMS. They finally constituted a “Friends Church” in the south-west of the capital. The Society of Evangelical Missions (Paris) did not arrive until the French conquest of the country in 1896. It is interesting to note that the Malagasy union negotiations were begun by missionaries but led to completion by Malagasy church leaders.

The FJKM is the largest Protestant church in the country. It has adopted the presbyterian-synodal polity. The congregations are grouped into regional synods which meet at least once a year. The national synod gathers every four years and

Africa

At the national level, the church maintains close contact with the Lutheran Church with which FJKM has been in partnership since 1913 through the Feder­ation of Protestant Churches. Together with the Roman Catholic, the Anglican and the Lutheran churches, the FJKM founded the Christian Council in 1980, a significant expression of Christian solidarity and integrity in the country.

Church Family: Lutheran

Membership: 3,000,000

Congregations: 5,000

Pastors: 1,200

Member of: WCC (1966) – AACC – CCCM – LWF

The Lutheran faith was brought to Madagascar by Norwegian and American missionaries. The Norwegian Missionary Society began its work in the centre and the south of the country in 1866, and the Mission of the American Lutheran Church in the south-west in 1888. The church grew and spread, and became autonomous as one body in 1950, under the name Malagasy Lutheran Church and under Malagasy responsibility and leadership. The FLM is in the forefront of the preaching of the gospel and evangelization campaigns, and especially the work of the revival movement against the worship of idols and the traditions and beliefs that contradict the gospel. Its pastors are trained and prepared at six Lutheran the­ological seminaries and the Lutheran Theological Faculty which belong to the church, and some receive their training and preparation abroad.

The FLM is organized in 20 regional synods. The national synod is the body that holds the work of the church together. The national synod committee meets every four years and has the authority to decide on all matters related to worship and the spiritual life of the church, the administration, the departments and asso­ciations, and the mission of preaching and announcing the gospel that is carried out by the church. The executive board implements the decisions, under the lead­ership of the president and the general secretary who both work full-time at the national office.

Social work, development and evangelism are held together by the FLM and constitute together its witness in society. The church continues and expands the work that was started by the missionaries who were the pioneers. It runs seven hospitals and 25 dispensaries throughout the country, two leprosy hospitals, and schools for the deaf. Eighty percent of the population of Madagascar are peasants. The development work of the FLM is an important means to reach the people in their daily life and bring them to Jesus. The church has three large farm schools, and a training programme for peasants aimed at promoting agriculture and animal husbandry. It runs many primary and secondary schools, and is planning to set up a Lutheran university in the south of the island.

The cooperation with other churches through the Protestant Federation and the Council of Churches is very important for the FLM, especially in the areas of social work and evangelization. The church pays much attention to its participa­tion in ecumenical efforts and the formation of its members who are entrusted with responsibilities in this area of work. The present government of Madagascar provides space for the churches and accepts their collaboration. This is also an opportunity for announcing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Population: 12,572,372

Surface area: 118,500 sq.km

Capital: Lilongwe

GNI per capita: 170 US$

Classification: Least developed country

Languages: Chichewa, English, other

Religions: Christian 77%; Muslim 16%; African traditional 7%

Christianity: Protestants 3,381,700; Catholics 2,997,000; Anglicans 255,000;

Independent 1,796,150

The region of today’s Malawi has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The Maravi, a Bantu people from southern Congo, settled the area in the 14th century and established a kingdom. They are the ancestors of two of the main ethnic groups, the Chewa and Nyanja. Other groups include the Yao, the Tumbuka, Tonga and Ngoni. In 1891 the British established the Central Africa Protectorate, and in 1907 the Nyasaland Protectorate. Pressure for independence developed in the 1940s. In 1953 Nyasaland was joined with Northern and Southern Rhodesia (today’s Zambia and Zimbabwe) to form the Central African Federation. After various transitions, Malawi recovered full independence in 1964. For three decades it was ruled by its first President, Dr Banda, as a one-party state. Since 1994 the country has a multi-party democracy. Economically, Malawi depends on subsistence agriculture and the export of tobacco, tea, and sugar. In 2005, the southern part of the country suffered severe drought. Malawi is struggling with a high HIV/AIDS infection rate. Christian missions came to Malawi in the 19th century. The Catholic Church is the largest church, followed by the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian. Other large Christian groups are the Pentecostals, the Seventh-day Adventists, the Anglicans, and the African independent churches. The Malawi Council of Churches is the ecumenical body. There is also an Evan­gelical Association of Malawi, which is affiliated with the WEA.

*Malawi Council of Churches

Founded in 1942 as Christian Council of Nyasaland, Christian Council of Malawi as of 1964, changed to Malawi Council of Churches in 1998 (forerunner: Con­sultative Board of Federation Missions, founded in 1939).

Basis of membership: The members of the Malawi Council of Churches are united in confessing the faith to which the church, the body of Christ, has ever witnessed in the one triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; worshipping the Father revealed to humanity in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, owing obe­dience to Jesus Christ as the way, the truth and the life, trusting the guidance of

Africa

Member churches: Africa Evangelical Church

Baptist Convention of Malawi

The Malawi Council of Churches is affiliated with the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism of the World Council of Churches.

Church Family: Anglican Membership: 900,000 Dioceses: 15 Parishes: 250 Bishops: 15 Priests: 400 Member of: WCC (1956) – AACC – BCC – CCZ – MCC – ZCC – ACC – CAPA Periodical: Epifania

The Province covers Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was inau­gurated in 1955. The first Anglican missionaries arrived in Nyasaland (now Malawi) in 1882. When Malawi became independent in 1964, the diocese of Nyasaland changed its name to diocese of Malawi. Now there are four dioceses. In Zimbabwe the Anglican Church dates back to missionary efforts from South Africa which began in 1811, when the diocese of Mashonaland was created. This diocese became part of the Church of the Province of South Africa, and included part of Botswana and Mozambique, as well as the whole of Rhodesia, until the formation of the diocese of Matabeleland in 1953. The countries forming the present province are different from one another, and face different problems. Zim­babwe is relatively industrialized, while Malawi is almost entirely rural. Zambia produces much of the world’s copper. Botswana’s main industry has been, until recently, cattle ranching. But there are diamonds, copper and nickel mines now. Malawi and Zimbabwe are predominantly Christian, while in Botswana and Zambia Christianity is a minority religion. Christianity is expanding; for example Zimbabwe now has five dioceses and so has Zambia.

The constitution of the province is similar to that of other provinces in other parts of Africa but, unlike most of them, it has a floating archbishopric. A recent development has been the creation of territorial councils in countries where there are more than one diocese. The Zambian Anglican council has extensive admin­istrative and financial powers; the Anglican council in Malawi controls pension and trust funds; the Zimbabwe Anglican council is purely consultative. The major task for the church in Zimbabwe is to be involved in reconciliation, reconstruc­tion and development after years of fighting for independence. The church in all four countries has developed indigenous leadership and is striving towards finan­cial independence.

(Conseil des Eglises Chrétiennes au Maroc, CECM) Member churches:

Catholic Church

To be a member a church must be accepted by the other member churches, and be recognized by the government of Morocco.

Population: 19,495,185

Surface area: 801,600 sq.km

Capital: Maputo

GNI per capita: 250 US$

Classification: Least developed country

Languages: Portuguese, Makua, Tsonga, other

Religions: African traditional 50%; Christian 40%; Muslim 10%

Christianity: Catholics 4,150,000; Protestants 2,457,800; Anglicans 125,000;

Independent 1,221,200

Africa

Bantu people migrated into the area of today’s Mozambique in the 4th century. Arab trade posts were established along the coast several centuries before the Portuguese began to colonize the territory in the 16th century, seeking slaves and gold. Portuguese colonial influence was mainly exercised through private companies until after World War II, when thousands of Portuguese settled in Mozambique, officially a province of Portugal. In 1964, the liberation struggle began, and in 1975 Mozambique achieved its independence under the socialist regime of FRELIMO, the liberation front. A resistance movement, RENAMO, backed by South Africa and Southern Rhodesia, began a civil war which lasted until 1990, when a new constitution was enacted. One million Mozambicans died, 1.5 million fled to neighbouring countries, and 4 million were displaced. A peace agreement was reached in 1992 with the help of the UN. Since then, Mozambique has consolidated political stability and put in place conditions for economic recovery. The majority of the population live from subsistence farming. Export products are cash crops, aluminium and electricity. The Catholic Church is the largest church. It played an important role in bringing the civil war to an end. The Pentecostals make up about 40 percent of the Protestant and Indepen­dent churches. The Baptist, Seventh-day Adventist, and African independent churches are also large. The Methodists belong to the WCC through the United Methodist Church, and the Anglicans through the Province of Southern Africa. The Christian Council of Mozambique is the ecumenical body. The Evangelical Association is affiliated with the WEA.

Founded in 1948.

Mission statement: To promote justice in the light of Jesus Christ’s teachings (Matthew 25:31–46), consolidating Christian unity and ecumenism through participatory and sustainable programmes in gender and socio-economic development.

Member churches: African Episcopal Church of Light

Bible Society of Mozambique (an association of people and churches)

Reformed Church of Mozambique

United Church of Christ (ex–American Board)

The Christian Council of Mozambique has nine provincial councils: Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Tete, Sofala, Zambézia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado Provincial Council.

Website: http://www.ccm.co.mz

Presbyterian Church of Mozambique*

(Igreja Presbiteriana de Moçambique)

Church Family: Reformed

Membership: 24,000

Parishes: 40

Pastors: 42

Member of: WCC (1981) – AACC – CCM – WARC – ARCA – Cevaa

The history of the Presbyterian Church of Mozambique goes back to 1882 when Josefa Mhalamhala was sent to preach the gospel in present-day Mozam­bique by the Church of Valdezia/Spelonken in South Africa, belonging to the Swiss Mission. Rev. Paul Berthoud, the first missionary sent by the Swiss Mission arrived in 1887. Ricatla, where today the theological seminary is located, was the first mission station. In 1948 the church assumed its own financial responsibili­ties. At a meeting of representatives of the church and the Swiss Mission in 1962 the autonomy of the church was officially recognized, and the status of the mis­sionaries serving the church was clarified. An important synod of the church was held in 1963, in Lourenço Marques (now Maputo), where a new constitution was adopted and five pastors were ordained. In 1970 autonomy became a reality when all mission stations became the property of the church. The Portuguese govern­ment was not happy to see these changes. Between 1972-74 the church suffered greatly at the hands of the colonial authorities. Many Presbyterian church lead­ers were imprisoned in 1972. The president of the synod council, Rev. Zedequias Manganhlea and one of the elders were killed in the infamous Machava concen­tration camp.

The Presbyterian Church of Mozambique is growing. Before independence it was working in only two provinces of the southern part of Mozambique. At that time Protestantism was mostly concentrated in the south, the centre was more Catholic and the north more Muslim. Now the church is preaching the gospel in all ten provinces and the number of Christians is increasing. Other independent churches and some new churches like the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God are also moving from the south to the north.

Evangelization has always been accompanied by the social work of the Presby­terian Church, for example, hospitals, schools, etc. The church has had a profound influence on the cultural, social and political life of the people. The founder of the Liberation Front of Mozambique, Edouard Chivambo Mondlane was a member of this church, as is the newly-elected president of the country. The Presbyterian Church of Mozambique continues to search for new forms of Christian presence within society by equipping its community with a mature, biblical faith. The train­ing of the laity and the education of youth through various programmes are pri­orities on the agenda of the church.

Africa

NAMIBIA

Population: 2,032,215

Surface area: 824,300 sq.km

Capital: Windhoek

GNI per capita: 2,370 US$

Classification: Developing economy

Languages: English, Afrikaans, Ovambo, Herero, other

Religions: Christian 92%; African traditional 6%

Christianity: Protestants 1,052,440; Catholics 335,000; Anglicans 64,400;

Independent 232,720

Namibia was since early times inhabited by the Bushmen, and as of the 14th century by Bantu groups. The territory was attributed to Germany at the Berlin Conference of 1884, as South-West Africa. In 1904, some 50,000 Hereros were massacred by the German colonial army. South Africa administered the territory after World War I, and annexed it after World War II, imposing its apartheid regime. From 1966 to 1988 the South-West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) under president Sam Nujoma fought a liberation war against the South African occupant. Namibia achieved its independence in 1990 and since then has been governed by SWAPO. Namibia’s economy is based on mining and export of diamonds, uranium, and other minerals. Most of the population depend on sub­sistence farming. Protestant, Anglican, and Catholic missions began working in Namibia in the 19th century. The largest churches are the two Lutheran churches, among the Ovambo people in the north, and among other groups in the centre. These churches, as well as others, supported the struggle for liberation and against apartheid. Several WCC member churches based in South Africa are present in Namibia: the Anglicans, Methodists, United Congregationalists and Uniting Pres­byterians. The African Methodist Episcopal Church and the United Methodists are part of the WCC through their church structures in the USA. All of these belong to the Council of Churches, which also includes the Catholic Church. There are various Pentecostal and independent churches. The Evangelical Fel­lowship of Namibia is affiliated with the WEA.

*Council of Churches in Namibia

Founded in 1978 (forerunner: the Christian Centre, founded in the early 1970s).

Vision: The Council of Churches in Namibia is a reconciling, healing, and caring fellowship of Christian churches united in service to society.

Mission statement: The CCN is an ecumenical body, which exists to support and enable member churches to respond in faith to the spiritual and socio-economic needs of all God’s people, commissioned to be a prophetic voice to the poor and other vulnerable people in society.

Member churches:

African Methodist Episcopal Church
Anglican Diocese of Namibia (CPSA)

Dutch Reformed Church in Namibia

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (GELK)

Protestant Unity Church (Oruuano)

Rhenish Church in Namibia

Roman Catholic Church

United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (Namibia Synod)
United Methodist Church in Namibia
Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (Namibia Regional Synod)

Associate member church:

Observer member churches: Apostolic Faith Mission Pentecostal Protestant Church Reformed Churches in Namibia

Observer member organizations: Ecumenical Institute of Namibia Students’ Christian Movement Young Women’s Christian Association