RFF: A thread of unity woven accross Africa

The RFF embodies unity in diversity

As participants gathered from all corners of the continent, it became clear that the shared faith transcended the differences of geography and language. Mias van Jaarsveld, reporting on the event, noted, “These meetings not only strengthen our collective memory as a church family but also provide a valuable platform where we can share our challenges and success stories with one another.” Indeed, this year’s gathering was particularly special, as for the first time, the moderators of several churches joined the general secretaries in their discussions.

Nico Mostert, director of Partners in Mission of the Dutch Reformed Church Free State, reflected on this significant moment: “It was an excellent meeting. This year, the moderators of the churches also attended – seven of our participating churches were represented by their moderators. The theme this year focused a great deal on ecology. The presence of these leaders, representing over 15 million Christians across the African continent, was a testament to the importance of collaboration in facing common issues.”

The RFF is focusing on the creation

A key theme that emerged from the discussions was the relationship between ecology and faith. As Braam Hanekom, along with Rachel Mash from Green Anglicans and Francesca de Gasparis from SAFCEI (Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute), led a presentation on the urgent ecological challenges facing the continent, the delegates were reminded of their role as custodians of God’s creation. Hanekom’s message was clear: “One of our greatest responsibilities is to love, preserve, and enjoy creation as a gift from God.”

In a continent grappling with poverty, climate change and ecological degradation, the connection between caring for the creation and social justice became a pivotal point of discussion. The conversation extended beyond just the natural environment, touching on how environmental issues intersect with economic inequality, poverty, and the well-being of communities. “As God asks for my love for Him, others, and myself, so too must we extend that love to His creation,” Hannes Theron, one of the participants, reflected.

Challenges and opportunities faced by the RFF

As always, the Reformed Family Forum provides space to share not only theological reflections but also practical concerns. Dr. Zack Pienaar from Namibia, dr. Mike Robbins from Resonate, and rev. Willem-Henri den Hartog from GZB spoke about the importance of network building and fundraising, emphasising transparency, integrity and responsible use of resources. In a time when many churches across the continent are facing financial strain, these conversations were both timely and necessary.

Prof. Johan van der Merwe’s address on Reformed identity and church order deeply resonated with the participants, reminding them of the theological foundations that unite them. As churches navigate the challenges of modernity, including secularism and materialism, there was a shared recognition that robust theological training and reflection are crucial. “We are called to proclaim God’s name and glory amidst all kinds of darkness and despair,” the group agreed, underscoring the need for courageous leadership rooted in theological integrity.

Looking forward: A declaration of the RFF’s calling in Africa

As the forum concluded, the group drafted a declaration that highlighted their shared commitments. “We, as moderators and general secretaries of Reformed Churches in Africa, meeting in a Family Forum at eMseni, Kemptonpark, South Africa in September 2024, became aware…

1) That we are called to trust God, individually and also as churches, in the face of many tribulations and challenges in our contexts and in the wake of the COVID-19-pandemic and its impact on the lives of our people and congregations;

2) That we are called to worship God, as a family united in Christ, coming from different backgrounds, diverse nations and languages, but being called to create safe spaces for the faithful to gather in freedom, to pray to and praise God, listening to and obeying his Word, and serving each other;

3) That we are called to proclaim God’s Name, his glory and the light in Jesus Christ, amidst all kinds of darkness and despair in ourselves and among our people, even when that is asking from us to stand where God is standing in a secular, materialistic and polarized world; we therefore need not only courage but also proper theological training and reflection;

4) That we are called to rest with God, receiving his grace and care on a daily basis, living and working in his presence every week and in all seasons, and helping others to find justice and peace before God – workers, children, families, fathers, mothers, migrants and the other;

5) That we are called to respect authority and a just order in our societies and churches, because God gives power to people and ordains them to take good care over us all, especially the weak and vulnerable, and that we are therefore called to pray for those who govern over us and to remind them of this great responsibility they have;

6) That we are called to respect life, all forms of life, from the youth to the elderly, our fellow human beings in all walks of life, and that we therefore have to raise our voices against all forms of violence and crime, against hatred and unjust policies that discriminates; against Afro- and xenophobia;

7) That we are called to respect love, that first gift of the Holy Spirit to all God’s children, as a blessing in our life together, in our marriages, our families and in our churches – that we may pray and plea for mutual respect, loving care, safety, trust and responsibility in all our relationships;

8) That we are called to respect livelihood, this beautiful creation that God gave to us all – our Africa – to live and to dwell in and to take good care of; that we are called to be thankful and humble custodians of the sources of land, water and clean air; that we have to say no to all kinds of corruption or exploitation; that we are very concerned about the impact of climate change and irresponsible economical systems that are now rapidly destroying our future and that of our children and their children – we have to protect and to protest;

9) That we are called to respect the truth about each other as the image bearers of God, because we respect the truth God revealed to us all in his Word; the truth about ourselves, our brokenness and redemption and reconciliation; the truth about his one, holy Church and our ecumenical family; and

10) That we are called to let go of all greed and the ambitions of the false self, but instead to turn our hearts and minds, hands and hopes to the one and only source of life, God our Father, as we follow Christ who is leading us on the right way to restoration and a new future.

So, we pray with the Spirit, and in Christ’s Name. Amen.”

The thread continues…

As the Reformed Family Forum of 2024 drew to a close, the participants left eMseni with a renewed sense of purpose and unity. The challenges they face are many – ecological crises, poverty, youth unemployment, just to name a few – but the opportunities for collaboration and mutual support are vast. In their shared faith and collective action, the churches of the Reformed Family Forum are sowing seeds of hope across Africa, trusting that the thread of unity that binds them will continue to strengthen, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.

Nico Mostert summed up the impact of the meeting by saying, “It’s just incredible what the Lord is doing in all these churches. And then the commonality – that there are truly many shared issues on the table. Fifteen million Christians represented by these fifteen churches on the African continent. The church is making an impact. The church is making a big impact.”

Together, they pray, work and stand as one, united in Christ, for the flourishing of their churches and the transformation of their communities.