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The Sixth General Assembly:
Harare, Zimbabwe
Theme: Abundant Life in Jesus Christ
John 10:10
25-29 October 1992
Sub-Themes at the
Conference: Thematic Section Reports
• Vision and
Hope: In a time of conflict and frustration with government,
this section called for – above all – credible Church
leadership that listens to the needs of its congregation and
dialogue openly with them. Other recommendations included
surrounding the suffering with “communities of hope” (Abundant
Life in Jesus Christ, 1994) as well as mobilizing cooperative
efforts for justice and better education. The Church was
called once again to create a relevant African theology.
• Justice and Peace: Putting into writing the
sentiment of many Assembly speakers, this section called for
churches to be a body of understanding. It proposed building a
Pan- African Committee on Peace and Justice under the
International Affairs desk.
• Integrity of Creation:
Picking up on a theme from Lomé, this committee recommended
that the Church increase its stewardship efforts in the
environment. Individual congregations should appoint
environmental advisors, and the church as a whole must realize
the importance of restoring creation by letting the land rest.
The committee finally called for renewal of African
spirituality, for it is concerned about the environment.
• Participation of All God’s People: This section
stated that the impetus to end conflicts is two-fold. Peace
frees up resources which can be used to promote literacy and
other human rights. The group recommended that women’s
participation in the church be explicitly encouraged and that
the Project for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa becomes a
more active in transforming the continent.
Sub-Themes at the Conference: Committee Reports
• Selfhood of the Church Committee: (Concerning
Inter-faith dialogue, Theology, Women, Youth, and Education)
Understanding that we are imperfect pilgrims in the middle of
a journey, the committee asked the church to pursue right
relationships and prepare all to face the spiritual and
material challenges of daily life. Because women suffer
discrimination in employment, the church needs to act for
change. The committee further recommended many new programs
including exchange programs with the less fortunate and
pairing up with UNESCO’s Women in Communication
showcase.
• Refugees and Emergencies/International
Affairs Committee: Aiding those displaced and traumatized by
violence is the responsibility of both the AACC and its member
churches. One concrete recommendation of the committee was to
translate the African People’s and Human Rights Charter and
distribute it. Staying informed is one road to empowerment
where the AACC is equipped to act.
• Finance and
Administration Committee: With an emphasis on the biblical
basis of faithful administration, the Committee called the
Assembly to recognize that all resources belong to God. The
Committee called for more outside involvement in AACC finances
by hiring experts to advise property development. Hiring an
individual specifically for continental and international
fundraising was also recommended. In exciting news, the
committee was able to lift the restrictions placed on AACC
finances in Lomé, conditional on good
management.
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