AACC Concludes 7th Annual Theological Symposium with Call to Protect Freedom of Religion and Belief

The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) concluded its 7th Annual Theological Symposium on 8th October 2026, bringing the four days of theological reflection on “Freedom of Belief and Persecution in Africa” to a close. The final thematic sessions focused on the role of the state in regulating and safeguarding religious freedom, with participants exploring the balance between public security and fundamental rights.

Presenting on Angola, Rev. Quelende Adriano emphasized that freedom of religion is fundamentally a matter of human dignity. While acknowledging the role of governments in regulating religious institutions, he stressed that state oversight must remain proportional, transparent and non-discriminatory. He highlighted Angola’s statutory requirements for official church recognition, noting that high membership thresholds can marginalize emerging and minority faith communities.

Mr. Pinzi Ayabulela examined FoRB through the lens of African constitutionalism, cautioning against adopting legal models of secularism without considering African realities. He questioned whether administrative regulations always translate constitutional guarantees into tangible rights for religious minorities.

Rev. Rostand Essono emphasized that religious freedom is not a privilege granted by governments or religious majorities but a fundamental human right, drawing on Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Rev. Dr. Effungani Margarate Salli identified government restrictions and social hostility as two key dimensions of religious persecution, warning that excessive state restrictions can fuel social hostility.

Closing the symposium on behalf of AACC General Secretary Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki, Rev. Dr. Lesmore Ezekiel called participants to move FoRB beyond academic discussion toward practical action. Drawing from Isaiah 1:16–17, he urged participants to “seek justice for the oppressed,” reaffirming the Church’s responsibility to defend human dignity, justice and religious freedom across Africa.

In the photo: Group photo of the Symposium participants [Courtesy: Fr. Dr. John Njoroge]