A handbook of councils and churches profiles of ecumenical relationships
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TOGO Population: 5,128,902 Surface area: 56,790 sq.km Capital: Lomé GNI per capita: 380 US$ Classification: Least developed country Languages: French, Ewe, other Religions: Christian 43%; African traditional 38%; Muslim 19% Christianity: Catholics 1,440,000; Protestants 607,400; Independent 138,110 The region of today’s Togo was settled by various groups, among them the Ewé who came from the east, and the Mina from the west. Togoland became a German colony at the 1884 Berlin Conference, and after World War I was divided between the British and the French. British Togoland joined Ghana at independence, and the French colony became Togo in 1962. A year later, Togo was the first African independent nation to experience a military coup. From 1967 to 2005 it was ruled by president Eyadéma, who imposed an authoritarian regime, oppressing the democratic opposition and violating human rights. Many Togolese were killed, and hundreds of thousands became refugees in neighbouring Ghana and Benin. At his death, his son took over in elections marred by killings and torture, and democratization continued to be blocked by those in power through 2005. The economy of Togo depends on subsistence agriculture and export of coffee, cocoa and cotton, and on the production of phosphate. Catholic missions began in Togo at the end of the 16th century, and today more than half of the Togolese Christians belong to the Catholic Church. The Evangelical Presbyterian church is the largest Protestant denomination, followed by the Assemblies of God (Pentecostal). Both are members of the Christian Council of Togo, which brings together a broad range of Protestant, Pentecostal and Evangelical churches. Several church leaders, Catholic and Protestant, have witnessed to democracy and justice in the tense internal political situation, with the support of international ecumenical partners. Christian Council of Togo (Conseil chrétien du Togo) Founded in 1983. Basis: The member churches believe that the holy scriptures are divinely inspired and entirely trustworthy. Their doctrinal basis is the Christian faith expressed in the Apostles’ Creed. The Christian Council of Togo is an institutional framework for exchange of experiences, research, and consultation between the member churches and associate members, in view of Christian witness. The Council is apolitical. Member churches: Assemblies of God Togo Baptist Convention of Togo Church of Pentecost Togo
International Church of Pentecost Togo Lutheran Church of Togo
Seventh-day Adventist Church of Togo Associate member church: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Togo Africa
Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Togo (Eglise évangélique presbytérienne du Togo, EEPT) Church Family: Reformed
Under the first African leader the two churches in the anglophone and francophone parts of the territory were united in one synod in 1922, when the church became autonomous. From 1922 onwards the Paris Missionary Society assisted the church in its relations with the colonial government, the schools, the training of catechists and the evangelization of North Togo. In 1959 the church took full responsibility for all its activities. The EEPT has introduced new forms of evangelism, hoping that these will lead to the liberation and identity offered by God in Jesus Christ, including the deliverance from physical illnesses. Each member of the church is encouraged to become a witness to the gospel by realizing that he or she is part of the church of the poor. These new ways of doing evangelization have resulted in several social projects, e.g. a hospital, several dispensaries, primary and secondary schools, centres for social and rural projects, associations of volunteers and chaplains for pupils and students, and for hospitals. Women are motivated and very active in several associations. The church is organized in six ecclesiastical regions. Its synod meets once a year and the decisions are implemented by the executive board. A synodal committee which is composed of the representatives of the regions and the members of the executive board meets four times a year. The EEPT which is financially dependent on outside help, especially from Germany, is trying to achieve financial autonomy. Methodist Church of Togo (Eglise méthodiste du Togo) Church Family: Methodist
The objectives of the church are 1) to propagate the Christian faith through the preaching of the gospel; 2) to take part in and outside Togo in the struggle against ignorance, illness, poverty, racism and all forms of social evil. The MCT runs 18 primary schools and two colleges. It has a medical centre and is involved in the struggle against HIV/AIDS. In the area of training the MCT has a dyeing centre for girls, courses for income generation, and courses for the production of consumer goods. It has created a cooperative society and provides micro-credit loans for women. UGANDA Population: 27,623,190 Surface area: 241,000 sq.km Capital: Kampala GNI per capita: 270 US$ Classification: Least developed country Languages: English, Nganda, Swahili, other Religions: Christian 89%; Muslim 5%; Hindu 1% Christianity: Catholics 12,000,000; Anglicans 10,155,400; Protestants 1,381,290; Orthodox 27,000; Independent 991,040 Several kingdoms have existed in the area of today’s Uganda, the largest being the Buganda, which has been restored recently. Uganda was a British protectorate from 1888 onwards. It recovered its independence in 1962. From 1966 to 1986, the country suffered coups and dictatorial regimes, the worst of which was Idi Amin’s rule which was brought to an end in 1979, with the help of an intervention by Tanzania. Hundreds of thousands of Ugandans were killed, among them Anglican Archbishop Luwum, and the economy was wrecked. Uganda has regained political stability, except for the rebellion of the Lord’s Army in the north, which forces thousands of children to be soldiers. The country has been involved in the conflicts in neighbouring east Congo, supporting some of the rebel factions, and in southern Sudan. Uganda’s economy is based on agriculture. The country has fertile soils and considerable natural resources. The main export crop is coffee. Christianity came to Uganda in the 19th century. Among the first con Africa
verts, several were martyred by a king who opposed the new religion. The two largest churches, Catholic and Anglican, form the Joint Christian Council, together with the Ugandan Orthodox Church which is part of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. Among the Protestant and independent churches, Pentecostal churches and groups form a sizeable part. More than half of them belong to the Pentecostal Assemblies of God. Uganda is one of the leading countries in Africa in the struggle against HIV/AIDS. *Uganda Joint Christian Council Founded in 1963. Basis of membership: A church shall be eligible for membership on condition that it adheres to the authentic teaching of the Bible, the Apostles’ Creed, and accepts baptism by water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Member churches: Anglican Church of Uganda Roman Catholic Church of Uganda Uganda Orthodox Church Associate member bodies: Ecumenical Church Loan Fund (ECLOF) – Uganda. Uganda Joint Medical Stores Uganda Bible Society Website: www.ujcc.org Church of Uganda Church Family: Anglican Membership: 8,100,000 Bishops: 29 Dioceses: 31 Parishes: 1,789 Priests: 4,000 Member of: WCC (1961) – AACC – UJCC – ACC – CAPA Periodical: see website Website: www.coupdr.co.ug The Church of Uganda was established in 1887 by missionaries of the Church Missionary Society from England. For half a century it was called “The Native Anglican Church” until 1961 when it became an autonomous province of the Anglican Communion as the Province of the Church of Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. In 1980 Uganda became a province on its own. The history of the church in Uganda has been marked by martyrdom and civil strife. The mission statement of the church reads: “The Church of Uganda is an independent Province of the Anglican Community worldwide which subscribes to the holy scriptures. It is part of the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church worshipping the one true God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Church is commissioned to carry out Christ’s mission of preaching, teaching, healing and nurturing her people so that they may have abundant life and build an evangelistic, loving, caring, worshipping, peaceful and just community.” Current activities of the church include spiritual nurture, development and conflict resolution through peace initiatives. Its priorities are to deal with HIV/AIDS through programmes of sensitization, to create a sustainable church, mobilizing people to use their potential and utilize available resources, to promote Christian values, and to create room for the young generation in the church. Concerns of the Church of Uganda today are the issue of homosexuality at national and international levels, the desire to see the church rise and shine, and to achieve networking and sharing information through radio, newspapers, television and the internet. ZAMBIA Population: 11,043,312 Surface area: 752,600 sq.km Capital: Lusaka GNI per capita: 380 US$ Classification: Least developed country Languages: English, Bemba, other Religions: Christian 78%; Muslim 1%; Hindu 1% Christianity: Protestants 3,546,300; Catholics 3,250,000; Anglicans 235,000; Independent 1,653,190 Zambia was settled by Bantu people from 800 AD and later by other groups from neighbouring regions. In 1890 the British South Africa Company took hold of the territory. In 1911 the British established the protectorate of Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). The discovery of vast copper deposits led to intensive mining in the Copperbelt, the north-western part of the country. Zambia became independent in 1964, under president Kaunda. In the period of decolonization and the liberation struggles in Southern Africa, Zambia was one of Africa’s leading young nations. Kaunda did much to unite the country, with the famous slogan “One Zambia, One Nation”. Zambia’s economy is growing again since 2004, after a long period of decline due to the drop in copper prices on the world market and poor management. The country is facing a high poverty rate, especially in the rural areas, and high rates of HIV/AIDS infection. Christian missions came to Zambia in the 19th century. The churches are strong and have an important place in the society. The Catholic Church is the largest church, followed by the United Church of Zambia. In 2000, it was estimated that 35 percent of the Christians were Evangelicals and Pentecostals/Charismatics. In 1991 Zambia was declared a Christian nation by its president, a born-again Christian. The matter was being reconsidered during a revision of the constitution in 2005. The churches were not united on the issue. The Council of Churches is the ecumenical body. The Evangelical Fellowship is affiliated with the WEA.
Founded in 1945 as the Christian Council of Northern Rhodesia, which became the Christian Council of Zambia in 1964, and the Council of Churches in Zambia in 2003 (forerunner: the General Missionary Conference of Northern Rhodesia, founded in 1914). Basis: To be a member a church must confess the Lord Jesus as Lord and Saviour according to Scripture and therefore seek to cooperate with other Christians who confess the same Lord in fulfilling their common tasks of witnessing to the glory of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Africa
Member churches: African Methodist Episcopal Church Anglican Church Apostolic Faith Mission Brethren in Christ Church Central African Committed Church Church of Central African Presbyterian Community of Christ Coptic Orthodox Church Evangelical Lutheran Church Greek Orthodox Church (Patriarchate of Alexandria) Kimbanguist Church Lutheran Evangelical Church Moravian Church Pilgrim Wesleyan Church Reformed Church in Zambia Salvation Army Salvation Deliverance Church United Church of Zambia United Methodist Church Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa World Baptist Evangelistic Association Affiliate member organizations: Bible Society of Zambia Boys Brigade Churches Health Association in Zambia Girls Brigade Girl Guides Association Lutheran World Federation Makeni Ecumenical Centre Mennonite Central Committee Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation Theological Education by Extension True Youth Christian Outreach Young Men’s Christian Association Young Women’s Christian Association Zambia Student’s Christian Movement Website: www.pansaka.com/partners/ccz The Council of Churches of Zambia is affiliated with the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism of the World Council of Churches.
Church Family: Reformed Membership: 250,000 Congregations: 152 Pastors: 84 Member of: WCC (1991) – AACC – WARC – ARCA – REC The Reformed Church in Zambia grew out of the mission work of the Dutch Reformed Church of the Orange Free State, South Africa. In due course ten major mission stations and numerous smaller centres of evangelization were established. African evangelists and teachers played a significant part in the expansion of the mission. In 1943 the church became a synod, and in 1966 it was granted autonomy. The church emphasizes evangelism among all the people of Zambia. Since 1982 it has spread its work to the Eastern Province, the Luapula Province, the Northern, Central and North-western provinces. By the year 2000, the church had expanded to cover all parts of Zambia. Justo Mwale Theological College which used to be a training college for only RCZ pastors has now become an international college. It trains pastors from different churches and from different countries. There are two conference centres, one used to be a lay training centre but has, since 2004, developed into a conference centre. The second one is the youth centre which has also developed into a conference centre. The church runs two hospitals, four secondary schools and eleven primary schools. It employs one part-time youth worker and has embarked on various development projects with the aim of becoming fully self-reliant. The following are departments of the church: education, diakonia, women, health which includes HIV/AIDS, finance, youth, communications, outreach, economics and training. The synod headquarters has moved from Katete, Eastern Province to the capital city Lusaka, in Central Province. According to an agreement signed in 1966, the DRC still assists the church by providing personnel and funding for the theological college and funding work in mission areas (areas where RCZ has no established congregations). Global Ministries of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands (PCN) supports the theological college and the department of economics. United Church of Zambia Church Family: United and Uniting Membership: 3,000,000 Congregations : 1060 Pastors: 250 Diaconal workers: 45 Member of: WCC (1966) – AACC – CCZ – WARC – ARCA – WMC – CWM – Cevaa The United Church of Central Africa in Rhodesia, now part of the United Church of Zambia, owes its beginnings to the work of the London Missionary Society, the Church of Scotland Mission, the Union Church of the Copperbelt and the Copperbelt Free Churches. In the Copperbelt, mining began in the early 1920s. Christians from various areas went to work in the mining towns, and interdenominational worship began in both the African and European housing areas. Helped by the fact that they were already cooperating in education and welfare, the Church of Scotland, the Methodist Missionary Society, and the London Missionary Society came together in African areas to form the Union Church of the Copperbelt. Shortly after this, the congregations of the European areas came together in the Copperbelt Free Church Council. By 1945, the way had been prepared for the union of the London Missionary Society and the Church of Scotland Mission in Northern Rhodesia. These congregations, along with the Union Church of the Copperbelt, joined to form the Church of Central Africa in Rhodesia. In 1958, the act of union took place. In 1965, the church united with the Methodist Church and the Church of Barotseland to form the United Church of Zambia. It is the largest Protestant church in Zambia today and continues to grow rapidly. The UCZ maintains good relations with the Methodist Church in Great Britain, the Church of Scotland, the United Church of Canada, Global Ministries of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Board for World Ministries of the United Church of Christ (USA), and Cevaa. Africa
Population: 12,963,496 Surface: 390,800 sq.km Capital: Harare GNI per capita: 440 US$ (year 2000) Classification: Developing economy Languages: English, Shona, Ndebele, other Religions: Christian 68%; African traditional 30%; other 2% Christianity: Protestants 2,124,060; Catholics 1,250,000; Anglicans 325,000; Independent 5,825,600 (double affiliation) Bantu groups settled the region several thousands of years ago. The Great Zimbabwe ruins attest to the existence of a powerful kingdom in the medieval era. In the 19th century the British established colonial control, in spite of Shona and Ndebele uprisings. Southern Rhodesia became a settlement of white farmers who resisted African majority rule when in 1964 neighbouring Zambia and Malawi became independent. The white farmers declared unilateral independence in 1965. After sixteeen years of war the African people of Zimbabwe recovered their independence in 1980. The WCC supported the liberation movements ZANU and ZAPU with grants from its Programme to Combat Racism Special Fund. Since the late 1990s President Mugabe’s rule of the country has become increasingly authoritarian. Most of the white farms were nationalized, but redistribution has not benefited the poor African peasants. Elections have been rigged and the opposition harassed. The economy, based on agriculture and once one of the strongest of Africa, has seriously deteriorated. The churches have an important place in Zimbabwe’s society. Many have supported the liberation struggle, and some were still backing the regime in 2005. The Zimbabwe Council of Churches, which is the ecumenical body, has on occasion spoken out against the abuses committed by the government, as has the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, which is affiliated with the WEA. Some of the independent churches in Zimbabwe are very large, e.g. the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (Pentecostal) and the Zion churches (African Instituted).
Founded in 1964. Mission statement: The mission of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches is to enable the member churches to proclaim the good news of Christ, to strive for a visible Christian unity in Zimbabwe, speak with one voice on issues of national concern, and to carry out a holistic, self-supporting, prophetic, relevant and contextual Christian ministry in an ecumenical spirit, with a focus on the preaching and teaching of the gospel in accordance with holy scriptures, on ecumenical worship and spirituality, on community service and renewal, on justice and peace in church and society, and on sound theological reflection/education. Member churches: African Methodist Church African Methodist Episcopal Church Anglican Diocese of Central Zimbabwe Anglican Diocese of Harare Anglican Diocese of Manicaland Anglican Diocese of Masvingo Anglican Diocese of Matabeleland Christian Marching Church Church of Central Africa Presbyterian Church of Christ in Zimbabwe Dutch Reformed Church Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe African Independent Church (Mushakata) Independent Church in Africa Methodist Church in Zimbabwe Reformed Church in Zimbabwe Salvation Army United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe United Congregational Church of Southern Africa United Methodist Church Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa Ziwezano Church Presbyterian Church of Africa Observer members: Roman Catholic Church Zimbabwe Assemblies of God in Africa Associate members: Bible Society of Zimbabwe Ecumenical Arts Association Fambidzano Yemakereke Avatema FEBA RADIO Zimbabwe International Bible Society United Theological College Young Men’s Christian Association Young Women’s Christian Association Zimbabwe Student Christian Movement Zimbabwe Women’s Bureau Service Arms: Christian Care Zimbabwe Ecumenical Church Loan Fund Zimbabwe Association of Church Related Hospitals The Zimbabwe Council of Churches is affiliated with the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism of the World Council of Churches.
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