'African Church Has Come of Age,' Say African Anglican Bishops
It now faces the dual threat of Western heresy and militant Islam.
By Obed Minchakpu in Lagos, Nigeria | posted 10/01/2004 12:00AM
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"However, it must be said that they gave such a disproportionate attention to the controversies and definition of the Christian faith that there was hardly any time left for missions and evangelism. Among those who were to do the task of evangelization there was disputation, rancor, division, and discord," Akinola said.
"So, when in the seventh century the militant and aggressive Islamic forces advanced and struck, they met with little resistance from a church that was unprepared, weak, and asleep in terms of missions. Thus, the church was wiped out."
"It is a common saying here that 'Once bitten, twice shy.' Today, we all know that Islam is struggling to take over Africa. Poverty and diseases are desirous of swallowing us up. As we reflect on the issues that now compel us to articulate and rescue our true Christian identity, we find ourselves on the same path that our forebears in other generations trod.
"We cannot allow the same costly mistakes," he said.
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Related Elsewhere:
More Christianity Today coverage of the crisis in the Anglican Communion includes:
N.T. Wright: Anglican Report Is 'Fireproofing the House' | Top theologian on Lambeth Commission talks about what happened behind the scenes, whether the report should have been tougher, and why it's critical of some conservative bishops. (Oct. 21, 2004)
Windsor Report Leaves Conservative Episcopalians Hopping Mad | Conservative network leader: "The disease of the U.S. church has found its way into this report." (Oct. 19, 2004)
Stronger Action Needed, Say Global Anglican Leaders | "The primates will add teeth" to Windsor Report, conservatives predict, hope. (Oct. 19, 2004)
Disappointed Anglican Conservatives Mull Options, Threaten Revolt | Americans must belong to Episcopal Church, report says. (Oct. 19, 2004)
Report Rebukes Episcopalians for Disunity but Declines Sanctions | U.S. church in limbo as conservative dissidents mull their options. (Oct. 18, 2004)
Weblog: Anglican Report Treats Conservatives Harsher than Liberals | News, predictions that commission would sanction Episcopal Church were greatly exaggerated. (Oct. 18, 2004)
Anglican Primates Respond to the Windsor Report | What church leaders from around the world are saying about the Eames Commission and the future of Anglicanism. (updated regularly)
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