wfn.org | INTERVIEW WITH ISMAEL NOKO: A "NEW LOOK" AACC FOR AFRICA

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For Immediate Release
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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