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The Fifth General
Assembly: Lomé, Togo
Theme: You Shall Be My Witnesses
Rev. Harry Henry
18 Acts 1:8
18-25 August 1987
Speakers and
Presentations
• Archbishop Desmond Tutu: The
Archbishop discussed economic inequality, using the Biblical
figures of Namoth and Uriah to highlight God’s love for those
without a voice. He said that the Bible is the most
revolutionary tool we have against injustice (Salaka &
Nyansako-ni-Nku, 1988). Therefore Africans - the warm,
glorious, original creations whom God made – should get
politically involved and defend the defenseless. Religious
difference cannot be a dividing force, we must remember our
interdependence.
• Rev. Harry Henry, President of
General Committee: Labeling the sources of conflict in the
AACC as disunion, financial struggles and lack of spirit, Rev.
Henry discussed the imperfect past of the AACC. To change the
current state of events, she called upon members to show their
support.
• Mr. James Kangwana, Interim General
Secretary of the AACC: Lomé has played a large part in AACC
history, coming to the Conference’s aid in past times of need.
Kangwana transitioned from Lomé’s past participation to the
current state of the AACC. Mismanagement, poor use of
resources and lack of support from member churches have been
crippling forces in recent years. From this weakness, Kangwana
claimed the AACC could find strength. Financial support of
struggling nations could be replaced with ministries of
presence, and AACC members can continue to find creative ways
to support each other.
• Rev. Frank Chikane, Secretary
General of South African Council of Churches: Bringing news of
South African politics, Rev. Chikane called apartheid a war
(Salaka & Nyansako-ni-Nku, 1988). South Africa has
attacked neighboring countries and created 1 million refugees.
The destabilization of other nations like Zimbabwe and Namibia
is creating a continental problem. The church must realize
that South Africa is under the rule of an illegitimate
government, and this realization necessitates action.
• Dr. Rose Zoe-Obianga: The Church in Africa needs to
experience a communal call; for Jesus did not call some, he
called us all to be disciples. The nature of our discipleship
is important too, Dr. Zoe-Obianga said. We cannot just pretend
to be witnesses. As the children that God provides for, we
must take action against politics, dangers of consumer society
and illnesses like AIDS.
• Rev. Dr. Richard
Andriamanjato: There were few people in all of Africa better
equipped to summarize the history of the AACC than Dr.
Andriamanjato. After a recap of the AACC’s last 25 years, Rev.
Andriamanjato picked up the theme of sociopolitical activity
in the church. In his last speech before an AACC Assembly, the
Reverend asked the Church to address systemic issues
exacerbated by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) and the damage caused by currency devaluation.
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