Picture credit: Bible Society / Andrew Boyd
Christian leaders from across Africa are gathering in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) to begin a conference they hope will transform their continent.
The African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) Forum is getting underway with the theme of “Culture, Scripture and Leadership in Africa”.
‘Culture and tradition dictates everything, including politics,’ says ABLI organiser, Dr Mohammed Girma. ‘Culture is a sign of Africa’s creativity and uniqueness. But it has its own dark pockets that promotes tribalism and nepotism.
Transform
‘ABLI aims to explore the influence of culture on leadership in Africa and to identify how the Bible can transform them both.’
Key subjects under discussion at this 8thABLI Forum will be
There are signs that all these years of ABLI are beginning to have an impact.
New movement
‘ABLI started as an event,’ says Dr Girma, ‘a yearly gathering. Now it is transforming itself as movement within its host countries.
‘In Kenya and Ghana, we’re running youth mentorship programmes. In Ethiopia, ABLI is bringing together Christians to tackle corruption, conflict and social mistrust.
‘And in Eswatini, ABLI was able to attract the attention of media, government, businesses and churches – even during the year-long planning process. We fully expect ABLI will trigger important conversations in Swaziland and beyond on the role of culture in leadership.’
Dr Girma coordinates ABLI for Bible Society in the UK, and researches into how the Bible can improve life, not only for Christians, but for the whole of society.
In 2018, he edited two books focusing on Africa, including: “Culture, Scripture and Leadership in Africa”, which is to be launched at the ABLI forum.
‘My hope for ABLI 2018 is that instead of just treating the symptoms of the ailments in African society, we will strive to transform the mindset behind them. That is the way to bring about lasting change.’
ENDS
Picture credit: Bible Society / Andrew Boyd
Andrew Boyd
