Participants of the Africa Regional Leadership Conference (ARLC) meet in Kigali, Rwanda. Photo: Photo: LWF/Erick Kinyanguli, Conne Boshielo
From climate crisis to church unity, African leaders commit to hope and action
(LWI) – The Africa Regional Leadership Conference (ARLC) opened with a worship service led by members of the hosting Lutheran Church of Rwanda (LCR). Rev. Dr David Ntidendeza gave a sermon on the parable of the fig tree (Luke 13:6-9).
“The church will be recognized by its fruit,” he said. “We are currently living in a period of grace, and – with the help of Jesus Christ, our redeemer – we are called to produce good fruit.”
The president of the Lutheran Communion in Central and East Africa (LUCCEA), Bishop Fredrick Shoo from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), welcomed the participating church leaders to the subregion. He thanked Rev. Prince Kalisa, General Secretary of the LCR, for hosting the conference. “You have created a good environment for fruitful deliberations,” Shoo said.
Regional challenges and prophetic leadership
Shoo reminded participants of the challenges people experience in the subregion. Conflict and war affect the churches, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Congo, he said.
The president of the Lutheran Communion in Central and East Africa (LUCCEA), Bishop Fredrick Shoo from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), welcomed the participating church leaders to the subregion. Photo: LWF/Erick Kinyanguli, Conne Boshielo
Rev. Katariina Kiilunen, Program Executive for Capacity Building and Leadership Development, and Rev. Dr Samuel Dawai, Regional Secretary for Africa, presenting the LWF Strategy 2025-2031. Photo: LWF/Erick Kinyanguli, Conne Boshielo
“Good rains have been a blessing,” he continued, “but we have also experienced flooding.” In the Kilimanjaro region, three families belonging to the ELCT lost their lives in a landslide following heavy rains. “As African churches, we must find ways to respond to climate change,” Shoo emphasized.
In the light of several general elections and possible tensions coming up, Shoo said that “We cannot stay silent in the face of conflict – we must raise our prophetic voice.”
Concerning unity and stability in churches, Shoo mentioned to churches in the LUCCEA subregion applying for membership in the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). “When considering these applications, we take great care not to encourage the breakup of existing churches.”
This is no time to give up – through hope in the risen Christ, we are called to strengthen and encourage one another.
Bishop Fredrick Shoo, President of the Lutheran Communion in Central and East Africa
Sharing hope in thriving churches
Following a presentation of the LWF Strategy 2025-2031, “Sharing Hope – Empowering Churches, Impacting the World,” participants explored how to contextualize it in their churches. During group discussions and world café, special focus was placed on the strategic priority “thriving churches,” as well as the opportunities, challenges, and good practices related to it.
Participants noted significant opportunities for thriving churches in the African context, including the potential for growth through in-person encounters and on digital platforms. A strong digital presence can help churches counter misleading theologies, support faith education and formation, and serve as a vital channel for Gospel outreach.
Loe Rose Mbise from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania contributing to group discussions. Photo: LWF/Erick Kinyanguli, Conne Boshielo
Rev. Prince Kalisa, General Secretary of the Lutheran Church of Rwanda, and Rev. Dr Bruk Ayele Asale from the Mekane Yesus Seminary. Photo: LWF/Erick Kinyanguli, Conne Boshielo
Discussions also highlighted areas where churches face challenges. Among the concerns raised was the importance of cultivating greater accountability and transparency, particularly in communication and stewardship of resources. They also highlighted the need for consistent implementation and follow-up on proven resources, to ensure that time, skills, and resources are used effectively.
Good practices mentioned during the discussion included promoting economic empowerment and working deliberately towards financial sustainability. Another good practice that strengthens churches is engaging in advocacy on predefined goals to promote policy changes in the public space.
