AACC’s 12th General Assembly scheduled for 18th – 23rd November 2023, will occur at a time that marks 10 years of implementation of the African Union Agenda 2063, and in the last decade of the implementation of the UN 17 sustainable development goals. These two development agendas have significant implications to the young people in the African continent.  A delay in achieving Africa’s sustainable development is an elongation of the social injustices that young people face and increase their vulnerability to poverty, wars and conflicts, modern-day slavery, health challenges, climate change crisis and exploitation, whose consequences make it hard for them to comprehend the love of Christ.The Assembly is also happening at a time when young people are increasingly migrating from the African continent to other parts of the world with a conviction that out there, it is easier for them to excel and flourish than in Africa. A number of young African emigrants use illegal and risky routes out of the continent such as the Mediterranean Sea and the Sub-Sahara Desert. In light of these realities, the AACC launched a campaign to inspire African young people to acknowledge and love Africa as their blessed home, see the opportunities they have to flourish in Africa, and to work for the Kind of continent that they want to live in and pass over to their future generations. This campaign runs on the theme; Africa: My Home. My Future. During the launch of the campaign at the All Africa Youth Congress in Ghana in November 2022, the young people affirmed that they want an Africa that is just, peaceful, and prosperous.AACC acknowledges that a just, peaceful, and prosperous Africa requires that the young people themselves are motivated to commit themselves to the work of transforming their countries and the continent.  Africa has the youngest population in the world, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30. This high number of young people is indeed very vital in achieving Africa’s sustainable development agendas. Additionally, they form both the current and future human force needed for the growth and sustainability of ecumenism in Africa, and Globally. It is for this reason that the young people in Africa need to be supported to fully participate in all decision-making processes, given space to participate in governance, and trusted with the power to act, work, and innovate to make a difference in Africa’s ecumenical movement’s holistic mission and developmental work.To foster this, AACC is organizing an in-person youth encounter inform of a youth pre-assembly on the theme; “The love of Christ compels us to build the Africa the Youth Want”.  Which is in line with the AACC’s campaign on Africa: My Home. My Future. In addition to strengthening the youth leader’s capacity to confidently participate in the entire life of AACC’s assembly, this youth pre-assembly will create platforms for constructive engagements among Africa’s youth on their role in fostering Justice, peace and prosperity for Africa as their home and future. The pre-assembly will also provide the participants with a safe space to network and build the solidarity that would foster their joint efforts as ecumenical youth leaders in Africa beyond the assembly.Main ObjectiveTo Prepare and accompany Christian youth leaders for a meaningful participation at the All Africa Conference of Churches General Assembly, and enhance the ecumenical youth contribution to Africa’s sustainable development beyond the assembly.  Specific objectives To provide a safe ecumenical space for the participants to interrogate the prophetic role of the Church in Africa’s sustainable development. To provide a safe space for the participants to network and strategize for meaningful participation at AACC’s General Assembly election into AACC’s governance bodies  Dates 16th – 18th November 2023Venue Methodist Church Cathedral, Abuja Nigeria.  

The All Africa Conference of Churches was established in April 1963 in Kampala, Uganda, and will be celebrating its 12th General Assembly and 60th Anniversary between 18th and 23rd November 2023, in Abuja- Nigeria. The 60th Anniversary festivities bring together delegates, partners, invited guests, observers, staff, and stewards to thank God and Celebrate the AACC’s 60-year journey, highlighting the organization's history, achievements, programmatic work, and future projections. The 12th General Assembly will bring together AACC members and partners for worship and fellowship, ecumenical dialogues, and other activities that affirm the oneness of the church in Africa, Additionally, it will also review AACC’s current constitution, elect the president and vice presidents of the AACC, elect members of the General Committee, Set the Agenda of the Conference for the next five years among other duties.  

Instituted during the 9th General Assembly in Maputo, Mozambique 2008, the All Africa Conference of Churches Theological institute aims at promoting intergenerational learning and mentorship of young theologians on ecumenical-related issues affecting Africa and beyond, with an intention of producing present and future ecumenical leaders for African churches and the world at large.The 9th Theological institute was officially opened on 7th November 2023 at the First Baptist Church – Garki Abuja Nigeria. 50 young theologians below 35 years and 5 facilitators drawn from all over the continent are participating in the institute. In his welcome remarks, Fr. Dr. John Njoroge, AACC’s Executive Secretary for theology and interfaith relations noted that the 9th theological institute will foster a deep understanding of theological concepts, ignite meaningful dialogues, inspire and produce transformative ecumenical leaders who build the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12).“I expect to hear diverse voices from fellow participants and learn from their experiences as we engage on the various topics in the program” said Lindiwe Princess Maseko, a participant from Southern Africa.While opening the Institute on behalf of the AACC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki, Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention charged participants to strive to be professional theologians who positively contribute to the growth of Christianity in the global south.“I am confident that this program will form me into such a good leader who solves the problems of the church.” Noted Koroma Simon Peter Sam, from Sierra Leone.The institute is running under AACC’s 12th General Assembly theme, "The Love of Christ compels us" (2 Cor 5:14). Throughout the ten days the institute will run, the participants will interrogate how the love of Christ compels us to listen, learn, share insights and care for each other and God’s creation. 

All Africa Conference of Churches invites young theologians (Theology students and practicing graduates in the ministry under 35 years age), to apply for a 10 days ecumenical theological encounter through training and participation in the forthcoming 12th General Assembly and 60th Anniversary. The training will take place at First Baptist Theological Seminary, Abuja – Nigeria from November 7th – 16th, 2023.The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) Theological Institute Programme started in 2008 at the 9th AACC General Assembly held in Maputo, Mozambique. Since then it has been a tradition for the AACC to bring together young theologians from all over the continent and beyond, for a two-week intensive theological training, with the possibility of interacting with senior church leaders, church delegates during the assemblies as well as getting special ecumenical exposure.This year’s theological institute is based on the AACC’s agenda for promoting intergeneration learning and mentorship of young theologians on ecumenical-related issues affecting Africa and beyond. This aims at producing present and future ecumenically-oriented leaders for African churches and the world at large.The 9th Theological Institute main focus is on the global ecumenical movement, its’ history, theology and current trends. This will be expounded in conjunction with the general assembly theme “THE LOVE OF CHRIST COMPELS US”, (2 Corinthians 5:14). There will be five main thematic areas namely;Development of the Ecumenical Movement, History (1910-2023), Theology and Trends;Global Ecumenical theologies on humanity dignity, Peace & Justice and Eco-Diakonia;Stewardship for a sustainable creation, productivity and abundant life (Gen 2: 13, John 10:10)Reconciliation for a just and equitable communities in Africa (1 Cor. 5: 18-19)Ethics and accountability in leadership and governance in AfricaObjectiveTo bring together young theologians mainly from Africa and beyond to equip them with theological knowledge and skill on the global ecumenical movement;To discuss global ecumenical theologies on humanity dignity, Peace & Justice and Eco-Diakonia in Africa;To promote ecumenical theological understanding of human responsibilities towards God’s creation, productivity and human flourishingTo constructively engage on how individuals and communities would embrace ethical and accountable leadership and governance in Africa;To theologically reflect on the AACC 12th General Assembly theme “THE LOVE OF CHRIST COMPELS US”, (2 Corinthians 5:14). Students will be involved in contextualizing this theme in response to the various needs; creation care-related issues affecting Africa like current droughts, hunger and climate change, gender injustices and inequality among others.To create impactive intergenerational learning by interacting with a number of ecumenical and pan African scholars, church leaders and ecumenical partners.ParticipationParticipants will be identified and selected from the list of applicants who will have submitted these applications as per the theological institute requirements (requirements will be published together with the institute’s advert at: www.aacc-ceta.org). Applicants must be young theologians from theological seminaries as well as practicing graduates from the member churches under the age of 35 years.Dates and VenueThe theological institute is planned to take place for 10 days from 7th to 16th November 2023. This year’s theological institute is graciously hosted by First Baptist Theological Seminary in Abuja, Nigeria. 

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been embroiled in civil wars and ethnic strife since independence. Factions throughout the country control various regions and oftentimes, the central government has little influence in these more remote areas. People seem to be left on themselves and, many turn to alternative means to “secure” themselves, including joining armed groups, who promise to meet their basic needs. In addition, DRC’s neighbors have very significant influence over security dynamics and routinely intervene to protect their national interests. This contributes to entrenched suspicion between communities across borders, fueled by rumor. The Eastern part of DRC holds enormous economic and social promise as the country strides towards a more stable and prosperous future. However, decades of war and conflict have hampered development efforts and created deep-seated mistrust between communities and their leaders. Intercommunal clashes between militia groups have severely disrupted social cohesion. The Mai-Mai group of militias who consider themselves as indigenous Congolese are fighting the cattle-herding Banyamulenge community – often labelled as outsiders due to their Rwandan origin. Continuous violence has led to widespread killings, looting, burning down of villages and large-scale displacement across South Kivu’s highlands. Decades of war, violence, and poverty have claimed the lives of over five million people. An absence of schools, health care, and reliable income-generating opportunities hinder communities' ability to emerge from crisis.  Religious institutions particularly the church has been on the vanguard in reconciliation and mediation. This has incessantly helped in addressing post conflicts societies by use of biblical, cultural and religious values, to address the deepened conflicts in Africa that keep re-emerging at the slightest provocations.The All Africa Conference of churches has always tried to maintain ecumenical pastoral presence for peace and reconciliation in difficult situations in many countries in Africa. The AACC has been involved in DRC peace processes for decades. Of recent, the AACC deployed eminent persons to DRC in 2019 to diffuse tensions related to the then just concluded elections. The AACC also sent a delegation of eight Eminent persons this last November 2022 and they engaged with different stakeholders to encourage the political authorities, the religious leaders and all people of influence to work and advocate for peace and stability as the country prepares to hold general elections slated for December 20, 2023. It is in this spirit of accompaniment of its member churches in the DRC that the AACC plans a roundtable consultation of religious leaders and actors to promote social cohesion, counter violent extremism and advocate for peace in the Eastern part of the DRCObjectives:Overall, the ecumenical visit and consultation seek to enhance the capacities of the religious actors to contribute toward trust building between communities and advocating for lasting peace in the eastern part of DRC.Specific objectives: to reflect on issues affecting social cohesion in the eastern part of DRC to enhance the knowledge and understanding of at least 50 religious leaders on issues of social cohesion and inequalitiesto strengthen the skills of at least 50 religious leaders on prophetic  advocacy actions for peaceful coexistence.to enable participants identify key issues of inequalities and design  strategies to advocate for their eliminationExpected outcomesReligious leaders are equipped to mobilize communities to build social cohesion and reduce vulnerability to violent extremism.Issues of concern regarding social cohesion are identified and strategies to overcome them developedStrategies to act together for stronger, healthier, and more just social ties are definedTargeted participantsThe roundtable will bring together 50 religious actors from the Protestants, Catholics and Muslims. It is expected that twenty will come from Goma area while the remaining thirty will come from the other parts of Eastern DRC where people can easily and safely travel to Goma by route. At least twenty women and ten youth will be among the participants. A particular attention will also be put on participation of people living with disabilities. In order to encourage the churches in the Eastern part of DRC, and as it was planned in the first half of 2023 but did not happen due to security issues, the Vice President of the AACC Central Africa region will also participate in the consultation and will take the opportunity to visit and talk to some member churches in the Goma area.