Under African skies: inspiration and uncertainties at ACC-16
BY INVITATION of the Province of Central Africa the sixteenth session of the Anglican Consultative Council convened in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Lusaka, from 7-19 April. The host Province exists across fifteen dioceses in the four nation states of Zambia, Botswana, Malawi and Zimbabwe. The socio-economic backdrop may be brighter than in many other African countries, but for many the realities of life are chiefly those of challenge and deprivation. Many Anglicans live in high density areas that o er little in the way of basic amenities; yet the lasting impression afforded to members of the ACC is of a church that is vibrant in terms of living worship and dynamic in its commitment to local mission. For example, whereas many Western Anglican churches struggle to engage with young people, as many as 60% of the population of Zambia is under the age of 35 and this demographic is richly represented in healthy congregational age-profiles. Again, where those of us who live in the Irish context have long since grown accustomed to the eclipse of a faith perspective in the public square, the nation of Zambia is blessed with a living Christian political heritage such that the serving President, Edgar Lungu, attended the opening Eucharist along with as many as five thousand others from across the four countries at this inspiring and memorable occasion. His predecessor, 93-year-old Kenneth Kaunda, even danced on his walking sticks during the sharing of the Peace.
* Full article available in printed copies.
Maurice Elliott
is Principal of the Church of Ireland Theological Institute and a Church of Ireland representative on the Anglican Consultative Council.