Picture credit: Bible Society / Mark Woods
The ninth African Biblical Leadership Initiative gathering closed with the formal reading of Observations and Affirmations collated during the conference.
Held in Kigali, Rwanda from 23 October to 25 October, the conference saw established leaders gathering together from the Church, politics and civil society, as well as emerging leaders from all three fields.
The theme, suitable to the Rwandan context, was: 'From Trauma to Triumph: Synergising Leadership for healing and harmony.'
The conference:
Acknowledged that as Africa, we are coming from a gloomy past of genocides, apartheid, wars, displaced societies and family breakdowns.
Acknowledged that there have been great efforts by African leaders in rebuilding African societies and mending the torn fabric of society. In so doing however, corruption has always been a serious threat to growth.
We embraced the call to celebrate our achievements as Africa, giving a special mention to Rwanda that continues to triumph over trauma (through home-grown solutions).
In the same vein of celebrating, we acknowledge that Africa needs leaders who are prayerful, visionary, strategists, resilient, loving and caring. That will enhance our much-treasured democracy.
The church needs to maintain the prophetic voice and lead in the fight against corruption in our homes, communities, businesses, governments, churches and nations.
Africa should make best use of its assets and resources, embracing truthfulness and accountability.
We recognise the place of youth in the society/societal development.
Leaders who bring the Bible into conversation by storytelling, uphold moral responsibility and continuously promote peace.
Leaders being healers: different aspects highlighted;
Leaders who show what a Biblical response to trauma looks like
God as the ultimate healer
Leaders should embrace integrity, generosity and humility, guided by a strong political will.
Leaders must be conscious of the lust of the flesh, eyes and prideful arrogance of life.
The State, Church and Society need to form strong partnership to achieve an effective justice, societal and spiritual healing.
Affirmations
We are proud of Africa. It is a warm, beautiful and resourced continent.
We affirm that the Bible remains the best guide for our continuous healing, instilling a culture of accountability and good stewardship.
We affirm that storytelling is a treasure that must be used with truthfulness and a great sense of accountability.
We affirm that a great commitment to Jesus’ Great Commandment and Great Commission will grow great churches, great communities, great companies and a great continent.
We affirm that as Christians we must care about the daily traumas that people experience.
We affirm that, like Jesus, we must preach reconciliation wherever there is the trauma of conflict.
We affirm that, like Jesus, we must equip ethical servant leaders wherever there is the trauma of corruption.
We affirm that, like Jesus, we must assist the poor wherever there is the trauma of poverty.
We affirm that, like Jesus, we must care for the sick wherever there is the trauma of poor health.
We affirm that, like Jesus, we must educate the next generation wherever there is the trauma of limited opportunity.
We affirm the need for leaders who respect the purpose of human life.
Mark Woods
