The Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA) held its 18th General Council at the Milele Beach Hotel of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa from 6th – 13th April, 2024. The 2024 Council was, in all measures, an impactful and eventful occasion that saw two hundred and fifty (250) stakeholders from across Africa, Europe and North America take part in its various Pre & Post Council workshops and activities.
The 18th General Council began with a delegation of PROCMURA, both Christians and Muslims drawn from various countries in Africa and led by the Chairperson of PROCMURA The Most Rev. Dr. Josiah Idowu-Fearon, fellowshipping at The Anglican Church of Kenya Mombasa Memorial Cathedral which is under the ACK Diocese of Mombasa, on Sunday, April 7, 2024.
A section of PROCMURA's delegation keenly following the preaching during the service at the ACK Mombasa Memorial Cathedral.
While setting the tone for the General Council during the Sunday service at the ACK Mombasa Memorial Cathedral which is the oldest among the ACK churches in the region, The Most Rev. Dr. Idowu-Fearon, who delivered the sermon of the day, called on the congregation to heed to the Word of God that requires us to love our neighbours unconditionally irrespective of our differences in religion, ethnicity, and culture among others.
The Chairperson of PROCMURA The Most Rev. Dr. Josiah Idowu-Fearon delivering the sermon at the ACK Mombasa Memorial Cathedral, the headquarter of the ACK Diocese of Mombasa.
The PROCMURA delegation in a group photo with Bishop of ACK Diocese of Mombasa The Rt. Rev. Dr. Alphonse Mwaro and a section of leaders from the Diocese after the church service.
The 2024 General Council, which made headlines in national media houses in Kenya, was innovative in its approach and a departure from what has been the norm in the previous ones. For the first time in the history of PROCMURA, the General Council opened its door beyond the Official Council meeting, allowing various stakeholders and participants to actively engage in Pre and Post Council workshops and activities. These were cast around the momentous week-long General Council and informed by the PROCMURA’s programmatic focus on contemporary and emerging issues on Christian-Muslim relations in Africa, and in some cases the world at large.
The new and innovative approach to the 18th General Council is a testament to the PROCMURA's unwavering commitment to fostering constructive relationship and cooperation between Christians and Muslims for peace and peaceful coexistence towards the wholistic development of the African continent.
The Council which had the theme: “The Call of God to Love Neighbour and Live Peaceably with All: The PROCMURA Focus”, was officially opened by His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya.
Participants join the ACK Diocese of Mombasa choir in song and dance during the opening ceremony.
In his official address titled; “Inter and Intra Religious Cooperation for Peace and Development in Africa”, The Most Rev. Dr. Ole Sapit, called on the religious leaders to fully embrace the spirit of both inter and intra religious cooperation. He made it clear that to do so, is an effective tool to cope with tensions that the inability to deal with differences might produce. This, he explained, will eventually help create a culture of respect for diversity.
The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit.
His Grace also observed that interreligious cooperation provides an opportunity to prevent conflict and bring about coexistence and cooperation.
“Interreligious cooperation is a transformative peace building method. It is transformative because it changes individual perceptions of the other and, consequently, of the conflict itself. As a result, it transforms the relationship between the parties from an adversarial relationship to a relationship of understanding and respect. It helps the participant to differentiate between the person and the problem; it helps to view the individual within the larger group that is perceived as an adversary,” His Grace Archbishop Ole Sapit noted during the opening ceremony which was also attended by other dignitaries including PROCMURA partners, ecumenical organizations from across Africa and representatives of Kenyan government among others.
A section of PROCMURA's partners who attended the 18th General Council.
While bringing greetings and messages of good-will from the Muslim community and participants, Sheikh Musa Mwale from the Kenya Council of Imams, commended PROCMURA for the effective work its doing around the continent of Africa in making sure that Christian and Muslim communities live together peaceably in spite of ever evolving complexities around Christian-Muslim relations.
Sheikh Musa Mwale from the Kenya Council of Imams.
“We are privileged and honored to be invited to this occasion. We have in our individual capacities worked with PROCMURA and some of us have been mentored by some personalities within PROCMURA,” Sheikh Musa added while calling on PROCMURA and all participants at large to join the Muslim participants in celebrating the Eid al-Fitr which coincided with the official opening ceremony of the General Council.
Equally, the Bishop of ACK Diocese of Mombasa, which hosted this year’s Council, The Rt. Rev. Alphonse Mwaro Baya expressed his gratitude for PROCMURA choosing his Diocese to host the General Council noting that the new partnership marks the beginning of a long and exciting journey between the Church and PROCMURA in promoting constructive engagement and peacebuilding initiatives between individuals and communities of different faiths in the coastal region, with a keen focus on Christians and Muslims.
The Bishop of ACK Diocese of Mombasa The Rt. Rev. Dr. Alphonse Mwaro Baya.
"I'm extremely delighted to host PROCMURA's 18th General Council in Mombasa in partnership with PROCMURA. It is a great privilege. It is indeed appropriate to have a conference in this Coastal city as its history boasts of a rich interaction and coexistence of the Christian and Muslim communities that dates to as back as the 16th century", he concluded.
The Team Leader of PROCMURA Ms. Joy Wandabwa complemented the Bishop’s statement when she further elaborated that, the choice of ACK Diocese of Mombasa to host the 18th General Council demonstrates PROCMURA’s deliberate and unwavering commitment to working with churches at the grassroots across Africa to advance its Vision and Mission.
The Team Leader of PROCMURA Ms. Joy Wandabwa making a presentation during the Council proceedings.
Ms. Wandabwa who elaborated on PROCMURA’s new approach to the General Council, and called on all stakeholders, particularly the religious leaders, to play lead role in positively influencing their followers towards the realization that humanity comes before anything else, religion included.
Highlights of the 2024 General Council
The Chairperson of PROCMURA led the successful deliberations during the official Council meeting leading to a number of positive outcomes. Among the key highlights from the 18th General Council was the review and adoption of a new constitution, a document that will guide PROCMURA's work in the years to come. The constitution adopts more grassroots-oriented approaches in making sure that the organization’s work continues to positively impact lives of people for peace and peaceful coexistence in the ever-evolving religious landscape of Africa.
One of the General Council sessions.
The new constitution clearly indicates a new course for the organization ushering in a new era of leadership signifying PROCMURA's commitment to engaging with and improving its relationship with the church, religious leaders and various stakeholders at the grassroots level.
The council appointment of Bishop Dr. Nathan Samwini as the Interim General Adviser of PROCMURA also stands as one of the main highlights from the 2024 General Council. Bishop Dr. Samwini, who has previously served as an Area Adviser for Ghana, Regional Coordinator for the Anglophone West Africa region, Chairman of PROCMURA Area Committee for Ghana, and a member of the Executive Committee, which is the continental body of PROCMURA. He brings onboard a valuable wealth of experience that will undoubtedly propel PROCMURA to greater heights. His guidance and leadership will be invaluable in navigating the complexities of Christian-Muslim relations in Africa.
Bishop Dr. Nathan Samwini addressing the General Council after his appointment.
Additionally, the election of PROCMURA’s Executive Committee all from various countries in Africa and Rev. Robert Goyek from Cameroon as the incoming Chairperson, marked yet another significant turning point and a testament to PROCMURA's dedication to Pan-African representation. His leadership and that of the Executive Committee signify a commitment to ensuring all voices and contributions, from across the continent, are heard and valued.
Members of the new Executive Committee of PROCMURA.
These changes reflect a renewed sense of energy within PROCMURA. The organization is moving forward with a clear vision embodied in the new constitution, a dynamic leadership team, and a reinvigorated commitment to its mission.
The Bishops, the Rector of PUCA, General Secretaries of National Councils of Churches and Heads of Churches around Africa, expressed their commitments to supporting PROCMURA’s work in their respective countries and churches and pledged to be part and parcel of PROCMURA’s journey in navigating the complexities of Christian-Muslim relations in Africa. This is reflected in a Communique issued by the General Secretaries of National Councils of Churches and Heads of Churches during the Council and as captured in the Council’s proceedings.
The 18th General Council climaxed with an elaborate dinner and a Cultural Evening at the Plaza Beach Hotel, a colorful event that allowed participants to have a taste of the different African cultures, both by songs, dances, dresses and food. The evening also provided a perfect platform for participants from all workshops to meet and network.
Looking ahead, from the outstanding and actionable outcomes of the 18th General Council, PROCMURA is well-positioned and re-energized to make a significant impact in its new programmatic areas as presented by the Team Leader Ms. Joy Wandabwa during the Council meeting. The collective experiences, insights, synergies and commitments from diverse stakeholders from across Africa and the world particularly those at the grassroots, energizes PROCMURA’s resolve towards realizing “A continent where Christian and Muslim communities in spite of their differences, work together for justice, peace and reconciliation, towards the holistic development of the human family and the environment,” as our Vision clearly states.
