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The Fourth
General Assembly: Nairobi, Kenya
Theme: Following in the
Light of Jesus Christ
John 8:12
31 July – 12 August
1981
Speakers and Presentations
• Rev. Dr. Richard Andriamanjato: Once again rallying
the AACC to action, Dr. Andriamanjato said Christians must be
leaders who support politics that let people into the light.
Prayer needs to be an active process, and the church must take
a stand on human rights issues while focusing on continental
solidarity. Dr. Andriamanjato went on to radically tie the
tenets of capitalism to the work of the devil. Despite this
evil, Rev.Andriamanjato affirmed God’s presence in Africa at
work in the continent.
• General Secretary Rev. Maxime
Rafransoa: The General Secretary took the opportunity to
explain the AACC’s current situation, saying, “Financial
crisis is a logical outcome of the crisis of confidence, which
is itself a result of the leadership crisis. There was no
longer communication between AACC and its member churches”
(p.141). The AACC’s moratorium on western aid was no longer in
effect because it was not economically viable, but Rev.
Rafransoa urged new ways of approaching international
partnerships. He suggested forming church links across the
southern hemisphere, instead of the usual North-South
arrangements. He also echoed the call of past assemblies to
create a clear theology to answer the vital question, “Which
gospel do Africans preach?” (Utuk, 1997, p.143)
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Professor Kwesi A. Dickson: Reconstructing the church while
looking forward was the focus of Prof. Dickson’s remarks. He
recalled Nehemiah’s dedication to rebuilding (foreshadowing
the 8th Assembly theme) and applauded the proactive attitude
that refuses to accept things the way they are. We are
children of the light, we reflect God’s light, and just
because we do not know God’s plan does not mean it is not
active today.
• Bishop John Njenga, Representative of
the Pope: The path to authenticating the African Church is
achieved by getting rid of past prejudices. The cross is
constant and does not change with politics. Bishop Njenga
hoped the similarity of Africa’s problems would unite the
continent.
• Theatre: At the Crossroads by Zulu Sofala
and a presentation of the Themes of Exodus to Vamu Vamba
(“Jesus is crucified”).
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