wfn.org | Interview at AACC with Ishmael Noko

[cfouke@ncccusa.org]

For Immediate Release
AACC Media Team: (011) 237 966 3059 or 3063

INTERVIEW WITH ISMAEL NOKO: A "NEW LOOK" AACC FOR AFRICA

November 26, 2003, Yaounde Cameroon -- At the start of a new era for the 
All Africa Conference of Churches, the Rev. Dr. Ishmael Noko, General 
Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, sees a bright future for the 
Pan African organization.

As word spreads in Africa of the overhaul, the AACC is set to gain 
significance on the Continent and abroad as it re-defines itself and turns 
rhetoric into action.

"Word will spread that the AACC has looked inward and criticized itself.  
Because of its internal problems, it has matured and desisted from finger 
pointing.  This is a hugely positive foundational shift and augers well 
for its future," he said.

The warm response to the AACC by President Chissano of Mozambique will 
also lend considerable credibility to the organization.  Endorsing the 
critical role of the church in Africa, the President has given the church 
hope that it will play a more direct role in the affairs of the future of 
the African Union.  

"In 1986 the AACC tried to gain representation at the then OAU, but it 
failed because of the objections of some governments about the exclusion 
of other faith communities," Noko said.  "My advice to the AACC is to take 
into account Muslim countries in Africa like Egypt, Mauratania, Moroccco," 
he said, adding that there is an assumption that Christians tend to hog 
the limelight on the religious platform.

"Ethical and moral issues are not the exclusive domain of Christianity. 
What is needed (and will be more acceptable) at the African Union is for 
the inter-religious community to be given a voice.  This needs to be 
seriously engaged," he said.

Noko was quick to point out, however, that this in no way is intended to 
negate the evangelization process, but a way of consolidating on issues 
like environment, justice and protection of people - concerns shared by 
Jews, Hindus, Muslims and all faith communities.

As he returns to Geneva, Noko takes back the positive message that the 
decisions that the Lutherans took in November 1998 now have a place in the 
AACC.  This includes the formation of a Lutheran Council in Africa whose 
membership will be brought to the AACC and whose purpose it is to support 
and undergird the ecumenical organization.

"There is now a very real potential of ownership and the Lutherans will 
take on the responsibility of filtering the information on the AACC down 
and making it known in its constituency." 

Noko's final word of encouragement and hope to the over 600 delegates at 
the Assembly is to proceed with the vision of re-building, but not to 
exclude each other, as well as those of other religious faiths. 

By Val Pauquet AACC

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