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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
Sub-Themes of the Assembly
• Evangelism and Education for Liberation: Because the
most important job of the church is to proclaim the name of
Jesus, the Assembly recommended better lay education programs
and a more active witness in hospitals, prisons, factories and
rural areas. One tangible method of outreach proposed by this
committee was Bible translation.
• Practicing
Evangelism: The church’s role is to be a welcoming as the
equalopportunity agent of justice said this committee. By
specifically defining marginalized groups, the Assembly
identified populations who could benefit from a united and
informed church outreach.
• Evangelism – Good News for
the Poor and the Oppressed: The fact that all people are
created equally by God means that humans have rights that must
be protected. When the government fails do to so (e.g. South
Africa), the Church must step in. The Assembly recommended a
condemnation of apartheid, a fight against exploitation and
increased activity in human rights committees. These
commitments would provide an outward example of a community
that truly values respect and justice. Once again the Assembly
committed itself to aiding refugees, repatriation where
possible and focusing on the larger causes of internal and
external displacement.
• Evangelism and
Reconciliation: This group struggled with the question of
violence in Africa, asking the church to become better
informed on military issues and other conflicts on the
continent. They also stated that reconciliation must be
holistic and authentically African. While the Assembly did not
encourage violence, it understood the difficulty of those who
face such decisions. Working with international partners and
creating peace studies programs at seminaries were two more
ways the group proposed to move forward with reconciliation.
• The Type of Organization We Want: Laying down
concrete expectations of the AACC, the Assembly called for
more visibility among member churches who will in turn feel a
responsibility for the AACC and the human rights work it does.
A threepart re-organization was proposed emphasizing the
following departments:
• Research and Development
•
Administration
• Communication
The recommended
structural changes also included:
• Increased
participation of laity
• Development of a theological
foundation
• A solid plan for the AACC’s next four years
• Improved historical knowledge and communication among
the church
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