The All Africa Conference of Churches has described the escalating conflicts across the African continent as “a significant ecumenical concern” while resolving to monitor early warning signs of conflict.
This is as AACC also stated its commitment to initiating change by engaging with the African Union to address violent conflicts, combat corruption, advocate youth empowerment, and promote gender equity.
These resolutions were disclosed in Abuja on Wednesday by the President of AACC, Rt. Rev. Arnold Temple, who led discussions at the conference’s general assembly.
“AACC and member churches must continue to monitor early warning signs of conflicts in Africa. The violent conflicts in Africa are a significant ecumenical concern and a detriment to ‘silencing the guns’ in Africa,” he said.
Temple also emphasized the need to pay attention to the impact of armed conflicts on women and children, particularly the use of women as weapons of war.
Addressing human rights issues, the Assembly highlighted the importance of celebrating successes in the fight against the ills that bedevil Africa, while also agreeing to adopt the anti-gender-based violence campaign, acknowledging the critical issues surrounding GBV in Africa.
“We must continuously pay attention to the needs of marginalised groups of women and give them a voice and safe spaces.”
On migration and trafficking, the AACC and member churches are committed to responding to preventing and caring for survivors of human trafficking.
They also pledged to promote disability studies in theological seminaries and support people with disabilities who wish to pursue self-employment.
Meanwhile, the President of the African World Council of Churches, Rev. Dr. Rufus Ositelu, advised Nigerians to lead by example in fighting corruption.
“Our message is intended for both Africans and African political leaders. We want this message to deeply resonate and initiate a shift in how parents communicate with their children.”
