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The First
General Assembly: Kampala, Uganda
Theme: Freedom and Unity
in Christ
20-30 April
1963
Introduction
The AACC’s
first official meeting came at a time of great change in
Africa. Since the gathering in Ibadan, more than 20 African
nations had gained independence. 1963 also marked the
development of the Organisation for African Unity (OAU, later
AU). It was in this climate of new beginnings and sovereignty
that the AACC held its first General Assembly in Kampala,
Uganda. 340 delegates from 100 churches and 40 countries met
in Kampala to witness the official inception of the AACC.
At the end of the week a message was sent to all the
churches, and part of the message contained the following
clause, which although for some did not seem prophetic at the
time, what has happened in Africa and the world at large has
proved in hindsight the reality and truthfulness of this
prophesy. The clause said:
The continent of Africa
will see unparalleled events and changes during the rest of
the century, welcomed by some, feared by others. We pray that
the Christian Church of Africa will play its role as champion,
teacher, counsellor and shepherd during the crucial years.
This still remains the challenge and the mission of
the All Africa Conference of Churches.
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