November 26, 2003
By Val Pauquet

Yaounde Cameroon - At the start of a new era for the All Africa Conference of Churches, the Rev. Dr. Ishmael Noko, General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, sees a bright future for the Pan African organization.

As word spreads in Africa of the overhaul, the AACC is set to gain significance on the Continent and abroad as it re-defines itself and turns rhetoric into action.

"Word will spread that the AACC has looked inward and criticized itself. Because of its internal problems, it has matured and desisted from finger pointing. This is a hugely positive foundational shift and augers well for its future," he said.

The warm response to the AACC by President Chissano of Mozambique will also lend considerable credibility to the organization. Endorsing the critical role of the church in Africa, the President has given the church hope that it will play a more direct role in the affairs of the future of the African Union.

"In 1986 the AACC tried to gain representation at the then OAU, but it failed because of the objections of some governments about the exclusion of other faith communities," Noko said. "My advice to the AACC is to take into account Muslim countries in Africa like Egypt, Mauratania, Moroccco," he said, adding that there is an assumption that Christians tend to hog the limelight on the religious platform.

"Ethical and moral issues are not the exclusive domain of Christianity. What is needed (and will be more acceptable) at the African Union is for the inter-religious community to be given a voice. This needs to be seriously engaged," he said.

Noko was quick to point out, however, that this in no way is intended to negate the evangelization process, but a way of consolidating on issues like environment, justice and protection of people - concerns shared by Jews, Hindus, Muslims and all faith communities.

As he returns to Geneva, Noko takes back the positive message that the decisions that the Lutherans took in November 1998 now have a place in the AACC. This includes the formation of a Lutheran Council in Africa whose membership will be brought to the AACC and whose purpose it is to support and undergird the ecumenical organization.

"There is now a very real potential of ownership and the Lutherans will take on the responsibility of filtering the information on the AACC down and making it known in its constituency."

Noko's final word of encouragement and hope to the over 600 delegates at the Assembly is to proceed with the vision of re-building, but not to exclude each other, as well as those of other religious faiths.

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