Address Bad Economy In Africa – AACC Tasks Stakeholders

By Kayode Oyedare

The President, All Africa Conference of Churches, AACC Reverend Arnold Temple has called for urgent joint stakeholders action to address worsening economic condition in Africa.

Reverend Temple made the call at the opening of the 12th General Assembly of AACC in Abuja with the theme “The Love of Christ Compels Us”.

He said that as a result of the economic situation on the continent, many youths were leaving for greener pastures at all cost.

The cleric said that the economic situation is also contributing to the rising insecurity, violent conflict and hunger in Africa.

According to him, the desire of political leaders to hold on to power perpetually by all means, undermining democratic principles, lack of transparency and restrictions for citizens to express their feelings without threats were some of the challenges the continent was grappling with.

Temple said that countries in Africa will be stable only when a platform is created for people’s participation especially in electing their representatives in a free, fair, and transparent process.

In his remarks, the General Secretary, World Council of Churches, WCCD Reverend Jerry Pillay charged Christians to be agents of peace, justice and reconciliation in a world marred by division, conflict and suffering.

Reverend Pillay said that poverty, hunger, health crisis, corruption, environmental degradation, political turmoil and violence were not insurmountable when Christians unite and are filled with Christ’s love.

The general secretary called for social Justice so that the rich will not continue to get richer while the poor continue to get poorer.

He also called for gender justice so that women are not continually suppressed and deprived of leadership positions.

Also speaking, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN Archbishop Daniel Okoh said that the conference availed all Nigerians the opportunity to celebrate with AACC on its auspicious 60th anniversary.

Archbishop Okoh urged the conference to pray for political leaders in the country for wisdom and strength to uplift the standard of living for all as they promised during the campaign.

Edited By Grace Namiji