AACC’s 6th Annual Theological Symposium closed with a plenary discussion on Christian responses to the Israel-Palestine Situation

The last plenary discussion of AACC’s 6th Annual Theological Symposium explored the responses of African Churches to the Israel-Palestine situation. Opening the session, Rev. Dr. Joseph Matthieu made a presentation entitled “Between Solidarity and Silence.”

He emphasized that speaking out in solidarity represents a decolonized theological stance, while silence reflects dependency on Western narratives. He urged African Churches to respond to global crises including those in DRC and Sudan through partnership and solidarity rooted in Africa’s lived realities grounded in the Ubuntu ideology.

Rev. Dr. Munamati Simbarashe from Zimbabwe traced the Israel-Palestine current situation to early 20th-century political developments including the Balfour Declaration and the Ottoman Empire’s fall. Pastor Lukano Shijenje of Christ Is The Answer Ministries (CITAM) called for grassroots activism, interfaith dialogue of life and moral leadership in peacebuilding efforts.

Rev. Prof. Epie Membong Louis emphasized the role of African Churches in prophetic diplomacy at multilateral evils to deepen the culture of peace in the holy land while Rev. Dr. Adama Isa urged African churches to reclaim their prophetic voice, speaking truth to power with moral courage.

"Proceedings of this theological symposium will be developed into a resource book to inform ongoing theological conversations on African Churches relations with Israel and Palestine." Affirmed the AACC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki as he closed the 3-day meeting.

In the photo: Rev. Adama Isa presenting during the closing plenary [Courtesy: Brian Muyunga]