African Methodist Council Leaders Pledge to Address Social Injustices in Africa

The African Methodist Council, comprising denominations such as the African Methodist Episcopal Church, AME Zion, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and the National Baptist Convention, has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing injustices across the continent. Leaders from these historically Black denominations gathered in Togo for a historic meeting from May 14-18, where they emphasized the Church’s role in promoting justice, peace, and human dignity. The summit highlighted the importance of the Church in areas such as health care and education, with examples including hospitals and schools affiliated with the University of Zimbabwe’s United Methodist Church.

The leaders declared that the Church in Africa cannot remain silent in the face of threats to the dignity of God’s people. They recognized the growing challenges facing the continent, including poverty, corruption, conflict, unconstitutional government changes, insecurity, religious extremism, environmental degradation, gender injustice, and moral decline. These issues, they stated, require a collective response rooted in faith and action.

Youth unemployment, migration, and the underutilization of technology for mission and service were among the key topics discussed. The summit called for ethical and agro-political leaders to integrate their vocation into the agenda of the African Union, which is composed of 55 countries and aims to promote unity, cooperation, and development across Africa. The gathering was described as a transformative event that encouraged leaders to align their work with the continent’s broader goals.

In his opening speech, the President of the African Methodist Council emphasized the importance of the summit’s theme, which focused on the call to action. He stated that the meeting transformed the socio-political and economic landscape of Africa, urging leaders to champion justice and hope. The leaders committed themselves to being catalysts of renewal, champions of justice, and architects of hope, reviving the sacred fire that enlivens both faith and nations.

The summit also highlighted the African Church’s renewed prophetic voice, as noted by I. Emmanuel of the Nigerian Piscopal Region. He stated that the African Church is regaining its role in speaking out against injustice, a message that resonates with the biblical call to seek justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8). The leaders expressed a shared determination to address the pressing issues of their time with courage and conviction.

Source: Read the original report (translated from French)