Picture credit: Bible Society / Andrew Boyd
ABLI declaration 2017
David Hammond, ABLI Moderator
We, the delegates from different countries in Africa and beyond, representing various backgrounds, professions and the Church, the body of Christ, at this ABLI Forum, held from 19 to 22 September 2017, we thank God, and express our gratitude to the President of Cameroon for his patronage.
Centrality of the Bible
At the outset, we reaffirm our belief that the Bible plays a central role in both public and private life.
ABLI serves as a platform for standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are facing challenges.
As leaders from various walks of life, the business world, the church, public service and politics, we recognise that our leadership is subject to the sovereignty of God.
Jesus Christ our Lord is the leadership role model, and we believe that in the Bible is to be found the wisdom, guidance, inspiration and injunction to moral courage through which Africa can prosper.
Governance
We recognise that Africa is blessed with all kinds of resources, but also are mindful of the fact that our resources can sometimes become a source of pain because of bad leadership, governance and mismanagement.
While we are tempted to use power and authority to act for own selfish ends, the Bible reminds us to use it for the service of others. We need a paradigm shift from mediocrity to excellent leadership.
Integrity
A life of integrity comes with challenges and hardships that require perseverance and endurance.
We have learned that the whole universe is God's temple, and as such we need to become light and salt in the marketplace.
Youth
Our young people, among other issues, resolve to building right character, as leaders with diligence, perseverance and excellence.
We call on the African states to continue to create an enabling environment for institutions, and develop policies that will enhance the greater involvement of youth in the economy and in society in general.
Gender inequality
The African perception about women needs to be challenged by Biblical teaching. We call upon the African institutions to use the untapped wisdom of women in the realm of leadership and be intentional about monitoring them for empowerment.
Culture
The influence and impact of elements of African culture and tradition on leadership means the continent suffers from nepotism and tribalism. We strongly believe that African culture should be confronted by biblical values and transformed where necessary.
Media
Social media is double-edged and needs to be redeemed for the dissemination of truth for the good of society.
Co-existence
Peaceful coexistence with people of other faiths is a conducive platform for national development and the spread of the gospel.
We call on all African leaders to rightfully use their power and authority for redemption, rather than for destruction.
We call on leaders of all sectors of society to set an example for the next generation in both actions and words and offer a hopeful vision such that they are inspired to continue the job of building the common good in Africa.
Integrity
We commit ourselves to the highest standards of biblical integrity. We refuse to be silent in the face of corruption and in either our personal or professional lives.
In all this we ask for God's blessings over Africa and over all.
Picture credit: Bible Society / Andrew Boyd
Andrew Boyd
