Dr. Chipenda was described as an inspiration to AACC’s Pan-African campaign; Africa: My Home. My Future.
The 157-minute online service held on 22nd January 2024 to memorialize the life and witness of the Rev Dr. Jose Belo Chipenda, offered ecumenical leaders from across the world an opportunity to celebrate the fruits of his labors for Christian unity, Freedom, and Peace.
The life-touching tributes from friends; describing his love for humanity and commitment to justice, were punctuated with testimonies about his outstanding mentorship skills from prominent church leaders who credited their success in career and ministry to Rev Chipenda’s positive touch on their lives. The Rev Dr. Sam Kobia, WCC's former General secretary delivered a biblical reflection demonstrating how Dr. Chipenda’s life was a living sermon of Galatians 5, with emphasis on the Fruits of the Spirit.
“He was always concerned about the spirituality, education, and development of youth and women,” expressed Rev Deolinda Teca; former AACC vice president.
Speaking on behalf of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) General Secretary; Rev Dr Fidon Mwombeki, Rev Dr Lesmore G. Ezekiel (Director of Programs), portrayed Dr Chipenda as a role model whose accomplishments inspire several African young ecumenists to offer their lives, gifts, and resources for the growth of the ecumenical movement in Africa, and the continent’s sustainable development under AACC’s campaign; Africa: My Home. My Future.
In a message of appreciation on behalf of the family, Selma Chipenda expressed gratitude to the ecumenical fraternity for reaching out to them with love-filled messages of condolences that have kept them strong since their beloved one passed on.
