Church asked to help Africa weather economic crisis

The Liberian Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism has warned of the difficulties that may come to Africa as a result of the “the seismic shift that has hit the world’s economic system".

Dr Laurence Bropleh made the comments at the 9th General Assembly of the All Africa Conference of Churches in Maputo, Mozambique, where he was representing Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

“Anecdotal and speculative analyses from people very familiar with the African economic system suggest that the global financial meltdown is set to have a profound effect on the social, political and economic stability of many low income countries dependent on aid, natural resources and foreign direct investment," he said.

Dr Bropleh said that Africa could face a “gloomy” future as it continues to battle against widespread poverty, illiteracy, diseases and corruption. The effects of climate change, he added, made it even more necessary to find renewable sources of energy and sufficient water resources.

He went on to praise the outstanding advocacy role of African churches and church leaders throughout the 20th century in helping to end colonial rule, opposing the authoritarian African rulers that followed and in working to develop the continent.

The 9th Assembly served, he said, as a “reference point for the churches’ participation” in tackling new challenges.

Dr Bropleh called for a new style of advocacy based on practical and realistic solutions to the continent's manifold problems, and efforts to improve the churches' joined up response by strengthening inter-denominational relations.

“The true strength of the African church is derived when all churches see each other, not as separate bodies based on affiliations and dogmas, but as one ecumenical body drawn together and united for the purpose of spreading the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on a continent fast growing in population and diversity,” he told the AACC.

He encouraged other African leaders to follow the example set by the Liberian President, who he said was a "beacon of pragmatic hope to African women and girls" with a "deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ".

He concluded by urging the AACC to be the light and life to Africa's revival by upholding truth, justice and peace.