Africa
Dr Bruce TheronThe Regional Secretary for this region is the Rev Dr Bruce Theron.
Africa is a large continent with many new fast growing churches in addition to those that have been there for many years.
News of Congregational churches in Africa will be appearing in this section.
ICF Members stunned by death of Steve De Gruchy
On 23rd February news that Steve had been involved in a rafting accident in South Africa and that his body was missing was rapidly circulated around the Fellowship. Steve has been a valued part of our ICF family and we share the sense of shock and dismay his family will be feeling.
On 24th February we learned that he was now formally presumed dead and that his family have planned a funeral service to be held on Saturday afternoon 27th February. Steve's body was subsequently found in the Mool River by police divers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
CAMEROON
The 2009 International Conference welcomed the Rev Charles Sagay and theMission School of Hope into membership.
Their website states "our mission is to reach out to the Baka (Pygmy) Tribe in Cameroon, Africa through holistic ministry to take care of the total man. By providing quality education, teaching this tribe community farming and reaching out to them with the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."
You can find out more at www.missionschoolofhope.org
African Congregationalists turn again to justice
24 September 2009
The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa has renewed its efforts to become a church that stands for justice at its Assembly held in Botswana in August.
The theme of the Assembly reflected the current global economic situation “In Christ there is a future: Hope in the midst of an economic crisis.”
An important feature of this Assembly was the definite signs towards the transformation towards a justice church, said UCCSA general secretary Rev Dr M Prince Dibeela in a circular letter to all congregations.
Speakers who spoke with prophetic authority concerning the challenges that face us today included UCCSA President Andre September, General Secretary Dr MP Dibeela, Bishop Zephaniah Kemeeta, Rev Rupert Hambira, Koketso Rantona and Rogate Mshana.
Their voices converged on the conviction that the current economic crisis does not have a final say on their lives and communities and called the church to rediscover the resource of faith and hope in Christ. They reminded the Assembly that the authors of the crisis do not have the capacity to lead us out.
General secretary Rev Prince Dibeela challenged the church to reflect on what it means to be church today. Secondly he challenged the church to re-think its covenantal relationships and the effectiveness of its structures.
“We feel challenged to work towards a justice church that is transparent and sensitive to its diversity and inclusive of the people with disability, gender, age, and race,” he said.
Get involved!
Our members include national Associational bodies, local churches, theological and mission organisations, and individual Congregational Christians.
We are a growing Fellowship and welcome new members from anywhere in the world who share our values. If you are interested why not complete the online enquiry form.
Take part in our survey on Congregationalism.
If you are a member of a Congregational Church please take part in our survey. Click on "Survey".You will find this under the "Home" page.
Congregationalists in UK receive greetings from ICF members all over the world.
At their 39th Annual assembly the Congregational federation received greetings from ICF members. Click here to read more.
ICF Members stunned by death of Steve de Gruchy
On 23rd February news that Steve had been involved in a rafting accident in South Africa and that his body was missing was rapidly circulated around the Fellowship. On 24th February we learned that he was now formally presumed dead and that a funeral service would be held on Saturday afternoon 27th February. Steve's body was subsequently found in the Mool River by police divers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
North American Congregationalists Meet in Anchorage
The NACCC held its 56th Annual Conference in Anchorage, Alaska from 26th to 29th June 2010. More news will follow.
Adding New Languages
The ICF News Sheet is now available in Spanish thanks to former members of the Congregational Church in Herstmonceux, England. It is hoped that the Latin America page of this website will go bi-lingual shortly, with news from the Region included.
We have hopes for translations of the News Sheet into Greek, Arabic and Korean before the end of the year!
Find us on Facebook
ICF has a Facebook presence. If you are already registered on facebbok, or intend to be, you will find a group under "International Congregational Fellowship".
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