A handbook of councils and churches profiles of ecumenical relationships
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The African Church Church Family: African Instituted Membership: 108,000 Dioceses: 29 Parishes: 720 Priests: 580 Member of: WCC (2005) – AACC – CCN – CAN Periodicals: Several diocesan magazines (in English) Website: www.theafricanchurch.org The African Church is an African Instituted Church founded in 1901, as the result of a disagreement in the Anglican Church between missionaries and a group of African Christians over indigenous leadership. In its doctrine and liturgy The African Church has remained close to the Anglican tradition. Its mission Africa
statement reads: “The African Church receives and accepts the Bible as the standard of its faith. She also accepts the Old Testament and the New Testament as being canonical, and sufficient for salvation. She accepts and believes in the Fatherhood of God and the Holy Trinity”. The church practises the sacraments of baptism and holy communion. It has a spiritual head, the primate, who is also the head of the clergy, and a lay president who is the head of the laity. Any major decision affecting the church is always taken by both the clergy and the laity. The highest governing body is the general conference. Since 1983 clergy are trained at the African Church College of Theology which since 1992 has been affiliated with the University of Ibadan. The church runs three schools, two hospitals and some social centres and development projects. It publishes a guide for daily Bible reading (in English and Yoruba). RWANDA Population: 8,606,604 Surface area: 26,340 sq.km Capital: Kigali GNI per capita: 220 US$ Classification: Least developed country Languages: Kinyarwanda, French, English Religions: Christian 85%; Muslim 13% Christianity: Catholics 4,000,000; Protestants 2,963,700; Independent 345,100 The original inhabitants of today’s Rwanda are the Batwa, Bahutu, and Batutsi. The territory was attributed to Germany at the Berlin conference in 1884, and became a Belgian protectorate after World War I. The colonial powers fomented and exploited rivalries between the population groups. The history of Rwanda before and since independence, in 1962, has been dominated by the conflict between the Bahutus and the Batutsis, which culminated in the 1994 genocide. About 1 million Batutsis and moderate Hutus were massacred. The Patriotic Front took power, and some 2 million Hutus fled to neighbouring Congo and other countries. The new government invaded Congo, in pursuit of the perpetrators of the genocide, and to support the rebellion against Congo’s president Mobutu. Rwanda has continued to play a major role in the conflict situation in the Great Lakes region. Elections in 2003 helped to stabilize the internal political situation. The Catholic Church is the majority church in Rwanda. Among the other churches the Anglicans, the Presbyterians, the Baptists, and the Sev-enth–day Adventists are the largest. The churches have struggled to come to terms with their responsibility in the genocide. Some Christians and local churches stood up against the killings, others were party to it. Many new churches and Christian groups have proliferated, especially Pentecostals. Some are establishing themselves and have sought association with the Council of Protestant Churches. There is also an Evangelical Alliance, affiliated with the WEA.
(Conseil Protestant du Rwanda, CPR) Founded in 1963. Basis: To be a member a church must accept the holy scriptures as the authorita- tive word of God, and the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds as the common and prin- cipal expression of the Christian faith. It must accept that Jesus Christ is God, that his death and resurrection are the basis of our salvation, by the power of the Holy Spirit and for the glory of the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and accept salvation by grace, through the confession of sins and believing that only the blood of Jesus Christ can purify us from all sin. Vision and mission statement: The vision of CPR is to work for a Rwanda where all people live in unity, justice, peace and prosperity, in obedience to God and at peace with one another. The mission of the Protestant Council of Rwanda is to promote the unity of action and vision of Christian churches in Rwanda (John 17.21) for the evangelistic witness and for the well-being of the Rwandan population. Member churches: Association of Baptist Churches in Rwanda Church of the Nazarene in Rwanda Episcopal Church in Rwanda (Diocese of Butare) Episcopal Church in Rwanda (Diocese of Byumba) Episcopal Church in Rwanda (Diocese of Cyangugu) Episcopal Church in Rwanda (Diocese of Gahini) Episcopal Church in Rwanda (Diocese of Kibungo) Episcopal Church in Rwanda (Diocese of Kigali) Episcopal Church in Rwanda (Diocese of Kigeme) Episcopal Church in Rwanda (Diocese of Shyira) Episcopal Church in Rwanda (Diocese of Shyogwe) Evangelical Church of the Friends in Rwanda Free Methodist Church in Rwanda Lutheran Church in Rwanda Presbyterian Church in Rwanda Union of Baptist Churches in Rwanda Associate members: African Evangelistic Enterprise Association of Churches of Pentecost in Rwanda Association Foundation BARAKBAHO Seventh–day Adventist Church in Rwanda
(Association des Eglises baptistes au Rwanda, AEBR) Church Family: Baptist Membership: 257,613 Regions: 23 Local churches: 167 Pastors: 152 Member of: WCC (2001) – CPR – BWA – AABF The churches which form the Association of Baptist Churches in Rwanda came into being through the work of a pastor from the Baptist Church in Congo and missionaries of the Conservative Baptist Foreign Mission Society. They came to Rwanda escaping the war of 1964 in then Zaïre (now DRC). They began the work of God in the northern part of Rwanda (Gisenyi and Ruhengeri) in 1966. Official registration took place in 1967. The churches which belong to the ABCR believe in: the holy scriptures, both Old and New Testaments; the Holy Trinity, God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit; the nature of the human being created in the image of God without sin, and the fall after disobeying the divine law, becom Africa
ing a sinner in the eyes of God; salvation found only in Jesus Christ. Those who repent and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour are forgiven and saved. Those who are born again will inherit eternal life. Those who do not receive Jesus as their Lord and Saviour will be condemned to the eternal destruction. Since its creation, the ABCR has been very active in evangelization to fulfill the great commission given by the Lord Jesus Christ to his church. The Association has a Bible institute, a theological seminary and a theological university. Apart from evangelism, the AEBR is also involved in other activities like education and health care. It has 20 secondary schools, 42 primary schools, two vocational training centres and three health centres. It is also active in community-based projects whereby local communities are grouped into small associations for income-generating activities. This is where the different needs of the people are addressed and come together to look themselves for adequate solutions. Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (Eglise Presbytérienne au Rwanda, EPR) Church Family: Reformed Membership: 300,000 Parishes: 92 Areas of evangelism: 57 Regional Synods: 16 Pastors: 81 Evangelists: 56 Member of: WCC (1981) – AACC – CPR – WARC – ARCA – UEM Periodical: Twubake (quarterly, in Kinyarwanda) The gospel was first preached in Rwanda at the beginning of the 20th century by Catholic missionaries. They were followed in 1907 by Protestants from the German Bethel Mission who came together with Tanzanians to start what became the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda. After the first world war, German missionaries were replaced by Belgians and Swiss, who were joined later by Dutch missionaries. From the very beginning, the evangelistic work was done by Rwandan people who accepted the gospel. Until 1957 the church was concentrated around three main stations, Kirinda, Rubengera and Remera. After it became autonomous in 1959, with the name Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Rwanda, the priority became to extend its presence throughout the whole country. In the process of growth the church changed its name to Presbyterian Church in Rwanda, which was motivated by the refusal to claim the title “evangelical” for itself while it is deeply engaged ecumenically. As the credibility of the church’s message depends on its response to misery, poverty, hunger, illness and ignorance, the EPR tries to maintain a balance between the teaching of the biblical message and social engagement through its hospitals, schools and development projects. In the area of evangelism, the church stresses the teaching of a transformative gospel, in a situation where many new churches and groups preach a message which takes people away from the current realities of the country and the society and invites them to flee to heaven. Like other institutions in Rwanda the 1994 genocide affected the church which lost 16 of its pastors and many other members. In the period consecutive to the genocide much emphasis has been placed on the preparation of the younger generation in peace-building and reconciliation, while the church also faces the challenge of caring for the many orphans and widows, most of whom still suffer from trauma. The leading organ of the church is the general synod to which all the programmes, institutions and congregations are accountable. It is coordinated by the president of the church assisted by the general secretary. The EPR maintains close relationships with its traditional partners in Rwanda, Africa, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands and plays an active role in many ecumenical organizations of which it is a member. Province of the Episcopal Church in Rwanda (Eglise Episcopale au Rwanda, EER) Church Family: Anglican Membership: 1,000,000 Dioceses: 9 Parishes: 276 Bishops: 9 Priests: 400 Member of: WCC (1961/1994) – AACC – CPR – ACC – CAPA Periodical: Episcopal Newsletter (quaterly, in English and Kinyarwanda) Website: www.peer–hq.org.rw Two missionary doctors of the Church Missionary Society evangelized the eastern region of Rwanda in 1914-16. The first station of the Rwanda mission was established in 1925. The work grew with the revivals in the 1930s and 1940s. The first Rwandan bishop was appointed in 1965. That same year the church was called the Anglican Church of Rwanda, which became the Episcopal Church of Rwanda and was part of the Province of Rwanda, Burundi and Boga-Zaïre. In 1992 the church became an autonomous province within the Anglican Communion. Like all strata of Rwandan society, the church suffered through the genocide, and one of its major priorities is to replace clergy through training. The church has a role as a healing ministry to the many traumatized people in Rwanda and in reconciliation, restoration, and rehabilitation. The church has also been involved in rural development, medical work, vocational training, education, and in the struggle against HIV/AIDS.
Population: 5,339,564 Surface area: 71,740 sq.km Capital: Freetown GNI per capita: 200 US$ Classification: Least developed country Languages: English, Krio, Mende, other Religions: Muslim 60%; African traditional 28%; Christian 10%; Other 2% Christianity: Protestants 338,800; Catholics 85,200; Anglicans 25,000; Independent 176,830 The territory of Sierra Leone was an important centre of the slave trade. Freetown, the capital, was founded in 1791 by freed slaves, and became a British protectorate in 1808. Britain consolidated its colonial power inland in 1896. Sierra Leone reached independence in 1961. In 1991, the Revolutionary United Front Africa
began a rebellion against the government, which degenerated into a vicious and cruel war for the control of diamonds and other natural resources. The population was terrorized, thousands were killed or maimed, and hundreds of thousands fled to neighbouring countries. A military coup in 1997 prompted the intervention of the African Union led by Nigeria, and the president was reinstated in 1998. In 1999 a peace agreement was signed, but the situation deteriorated again in 2000. British troops under UN mandate were able to stabilize the country. The civil war ended officially in 2002. Sierra Leone has agricultural and mineral resources (diamonds, gold, bauxite) but the economy is badly developed, with a large gap between a rich elite and the majority of the poor who depend on subsistence farming. The churches, although a minority, have played an important role in healing, peace, and rehabilitation. The United Methodists (the largest Protestant group) and the Anglicans are part of the WCC through the UMC (USA) and the Province of West Africa. The Council of Churches is the ecumenical body. Pentecostals make up about 10 percent of the total number of Christians. There is an Evangelical Fellowship, affiliated with the WEA *Council of Churches in Sierra Leone Founded in 1924. Mission statement: We as a Council of Churches in Sierra Leone affirm our belief in the one-eternal God, Creator and Lord of the world: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who governs all things according to the purpose of his will. He has been calling out from the world a people for himself, and sending his people back into the world to be his servants and witnesses, for the extension of his kingdom, the building of Christ’s body and the glory of his name. The Council of Churches in Sierra Leone is the convenant enhancing the unity of our member churches on the basis of partnership and a guide as to how we undertake our mission. Member churches:
Baptist Convention Sierra Leone Christ Apostolic Church Church of God of Prophecy Church of the Lord Aladura Countess of Huntingdon Connection Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sierra Leone Evangelical Mission Methodist Church Sierra Leone Missionary Church of Africa National Pentecostal Church
United Brethren in Christ United Methodist Church Vine Memorial Baptist Church Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone West Africa Methodist Church Affiliated members: Bible Society in Sierra Leone Bo Christian Council Bonthe Christian Council Calvary Pentecostal Church Child Evangelism Fellowship of Sierra Leone Christian Extension Services
Church Family: Methodist Membership: 50,000 Circuits: 31 Congregations: 244 Preaching posts: 103 Pastors: 85 Member of: WCC (1967) – AACC – CCSL – WMC Periodical: Almanac, Diary and Bulletin (in English) The missionary work of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Sierra Leone started in 1792, at the request of converted settlers from Nova Scotia who, on arrival in the country, had formed themselves into religious classes. A few people served as local preachers and class leaders. Personnel from the Methodist Church in Britain and Ireland developed the work in the provinces. The church was part of the British Conference, and became autonomous in 1967. It undertook to continue in partnership with the church in Britain. Church membership is widely representative of all sections of the nation. There is a strong lay leadership, with increasing participation by women in responsible positions. An indigenous liturgy has developed over the past thirty years among the Mende-speaking members. Traditional marriage customs are still practised in the Mende and other tribal family structures. There is an increasing political awareness throughout the connexion. Several lay persons hold high offices in government. Many are in the civil service, the judiciary and in medical services. The church continues to manage many primary schools and 14 secondary schools. It also participates in the national adult literacy programme. The MCSL is greatly concerned about unemployment problems, heavy migration to urban areas and the consequent growth of slums, and the urgent need for low-cost hous Africa ing, safe water supply and sanitation. It runs a programme on HIV/AIDS in three regions – Freetown, South and East. The church maintains the Nixon Memorial Methodist Hospital with financial aid from the Methodist Church in Great Britain. The hospital runs a nurses’ training programme in cooperation with the Roman Catholic hospital, and a community health project. The MCSL has opened a new community centre for youth empowerment and the promotion of the fight against HIV/AIDS. It is intended to build such centres in other urban areas in the country. The Tikonko Agricultural Extension Centre teaches new skills to farmers. This is now at a low ebb as a result of the war and lack of funding. Through the joint theological hall and a lay training centre the church continues to prepare its members for the ongoing mission and outreach of the Christian community in Sierra Leone. The Bunumbu Press, which has been responsible for all Christian literacy work and publication, was destroyed during the war. Progress is being made to revive the work. This programme still continues to serve all the churches in Sierra Leone. The development arm of the church manages two projects in the south and east, helping communities to develop suitable food security programmes. Plans are on the way to rehabilitate the Kailahun Community Development Project, the Pendembu Women’s Project, and the Kissy Mission Integrated project. The war has left the people shattered but strong in faith. The effects of the war continue to pose evangelistic challenges to the church. The MCSL maintains relations with several Methodist churches in West Africa: Gambia, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Nigeria and the Ivory Coast. The conference meets bi-annually. There is a proposal to divide the conference into five districts.
Population: 45,323,008 Surface area: 1.2 million sq.km Capital: Tshwane (Pretoria) GNI per capita: 2,750 US$ Classification: Developing economy Languages: 11 official languages, including Zulu, Xhosa, English, Afrikaans, etc. Religions: Christian 82%; Hindu 2%; Muslim 2%; Baha’i 1% Christianity: Protestants 9,628,440; Catholics 3,173,000; Anglicans 2,750,000; Orthodox 105,500; Independent 17,583,080 The original inhabitants of South Africa were the Khoikhoi, later joined by Bantu groups migrating from the north. In 1652 the Dutch settled in the Cape, and slowly extended into the interior. The Boers, as they were called, fought the Africans until they were themselves defeated in 1902 by the British, who established the self-governing Union of South Africa. In 1948 the Nationalist Party of the Afrikaners (Boers), came into power and put in place the racist apartheid regime, based on total, legalized separation of the whites, blacks, coloured and the small Indian population. The white Reformed churches provided the theological justification of the system. They withdrew from the WCC in 1961. The African National Congress, formed in 1912, became the opponent of apartheid, later followed by other movements. The struggle against apartheid is marked by the Sharpeville shooting (1960), the Rivonia trial of Nelson Mandela (1964), the Soweto uprising (1976), the assassination of Steve Biko, countless other tragedies, and the unflinching determination of a people to free itself from an evil yoke. Several churches in South Africa denounced apartheid more and more openly, led by Archbishop Tutu, Rev. Boesak, and many others. Key documents were the Belhar Confession, the Kairos document and Evangelical Witness in South Africa. The South African Council of Churches played a major role. In 1991 Mandela was released from prison; on 27 April 1994 in the first free and democratic elections of South Africa he was elected president. The current membership of the Council of Churches includes the Catholic Church, the Apostolic Faith Mission (Pentecostal), and the Dutch Reformed Church. There are many indigenous churches, the largest being the Zion Christian Church, with eight million members. Evangelical and Pentecostal churches are also active. The Evangelical Alliance of SA is affiliated with the WEA. *South African Council of Churches Founded in 1936 (forerunner: the South African Missionary Conference, founded in 1904). Mission statement: As a national council of churches and institutions, the SACC, acting on behalf of its member churches, is called by the triune God to work for moral reconstruction in South Africa, focusing on issues of justice, reconciliation, integrity of creation and the eradication of poverty, and contributing towards the empowerment of all who are spiritually, socially and economically marginalized. Member churches: African Catholic Church African Methodist Episcopal Church Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa Baptist Convention Church of the Province of Southern Africa Coptic Orthodox Church Council of African Instituted Churches Dutch Reformed Church Ethiopian Episcopal Church Evangelical Church in South Africa Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa (Natal/Transvaal) Evangelical Presbyterian Church in South Africa Greek Orthodox Archbishopric of Johannesburg & Pretoria Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika International Federation of Christian Churches Methodist Church of Southern Africa Moravian Church in South Africa Presbyterian Church in Africa Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Salvation Army Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference United Congregational Church of Southern Africa Uniting PresbyterianChurch in Southern Africa Uniting Reformed Church of Southern Africa Volkskerk van Afrika The South African Council of Churches has nine provincial councils: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, Western Cape Provincial Council. Website: www.sacc.org.za Africa The South African Council of Churches is affiliated with the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism of the World Council of Churches. |