wfn.org | Liberian Envoy calls on the Church to help Africa weather the world economic crisis

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> ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES
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> November 8, 2008

Liberian Envoy calls on the Church to help Africa weather the world 
economic crisis

Dr Laurence Konmla Bropleh, the Liberian Minister of Information, 
Culture and Tourism warned of the consequences to Africa of the "the 
seismic shift that has hit the world's economic system. Representing 
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first lady's Special 
Envoy addressed the All Africa Conference of Churches 9th General 
Assembly currently underway in Maputo, Mozambique from the 7th to the 
12th of December.

"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 went on to say that Africa could face a "gloomy" future while it 
continues to battle the longstanding challenges of poverty, 
illiteracy, the fight against infectious diseases, corruption and 
climate change necessitating the need for renewable energy 
and  sufficient water resources.

On a positive note that greatly encouraged AACC delegates, Dr Bropleh 
emphasised the outstanding advocacy role of African Churches and 
Church leaders throughout the 20th century, in overthrowing colonial 
rule, resisting authoritarian African rulers that followed and 
struggling for the continent's development. He felt that the 9th 
Assembly served as a "reference point for the churches' 
participation" for new challenges.

He spoke of the need for a new style of advocacy, which seeks 
practical and realistic solutions to the many social problems on the 
continent. Secondly, in his view the success of the churches' 
response depended on strengthening the bonds among its diverse 
denominations. "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."

Concluding his address, Dr Bropleh brought "warmest greetings" from 
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who could not come herself as she had 
to preside the Heads of State Summit of the Manor River Union. 
Serving as her Special Envoy, he praised Africa's first female 
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as "indeed a beacon of pragmatic hope 
to African women and girls" and as "a women who believes in religious 
tolerance while maintaining a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ."

Finally, Dr Bropleh called for a new African renaissance and 
emphasised the importance of a new leadership style, like the one 
found in his own country and in Mozambique. He felt that the AACC 
could bring to "light and life the new African renaissance with 
truth, justice and peace."  With reference to the historically strong 
ties between Liberian Churches that have often spoken out with "one 
voice", he invited the next AACC Assembly to his "beautiful country 
Liberia." This was received with thunderous applause.

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