Thur, 15 April, 2004 10:46 PM
"Keep
Your Wealth to Yourself!"–Says
African Primates to Liberal West
By Emmanuel Adekola
Anglican Church leaders in Africa have decided to reject financial aid from
the liberal West, claiming that they will rather endure hardship "for
a while" than sacrifice their faith and conscience on the "altar
of money."
Speaking through their Chairman and Archbishop of Nigeria, Peter Akinola, at a press conference in Nairobi, covered by the BBC, the African primates declared that the Churches they lead would pursue self reliance rather than look up to liberal congregations in the West for sustenance. "We must break dependency syndrome," insists Archbishop Akinola.
This "no compromise" stance poses tremendous challenge since many provinces in the continent are poor and have always looked in the direction of the wealthy churches in the West for support of their programmes. An alternative source of funding would have to be sought and attention may shift to Nigeria and South Africa to play the big brothers role.
Nigeria for example would be hosting the Africa Anglican Bishops Conference (AABC) later in October costing more than $500,000.
The Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA) had met for two days in the Kenyan capital to examine isues of common interest on the continent. The press conference was organised to make its position known on a number of issues, among which is the current crisis facing the Anglican Communion.
Last year's election and consequent consecration of a practicing homosexual priest by the Episcopal Church in the United States (ECUSA) had inflamed distrust between the liberal and conservative wings of the Church, with calls for realignment of the Communion from the latter.
(Church of Nigeria News)
View BBC's Coverage of the Press Conference
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