Church Leaders Unite to Tackle Africa's Social Crises at Landmark Summit

JOHANNESBURG -The Council for Churches in Africa (CCA) has concluded its inaugural summit with a resounding call for religious institutions to partner with governments in addressing some of the continent's most urgent challenges, including drug and substance abuse, gender-based violence, and harmful socio-cultural practices.

Delegates from over 25 African countries gathered under the theme "United for Africa's Transformation: Building Partnerships for Peaceful Development." The summit emphasized the role of churches in promoting justice, unity, and sustainable development.

Kenyan delegate Apostle Pamala Bii said the summit empowered church leaders to complement government efforts in fighting societal ills. "It is our duty as clergy to ensure communities live and thrive in a just environment," she said.

Liberian Reverend Dr Wallah Sormallah Wilsitoe echoed the need for genuine engagement with authorities to address cultural imbalances and foster peace. Nigerian representative Chewi Judah described the summit as "an eye-opener" for building unified responses to social challenges.

Archbishop Dr Rocky Moyo, founder of the CCA, reaffirmed the clergy's commitment to tackling gender-based violence and substance abuse. "We recognise the critical role we can play in supporting government efforts to address these issues," he said.

Key resolutions included:
- Partnering with governments to combat drug abuse and gender-based violence  
- Promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation  
- Engaging traditional leaders to challenge harmful cultural norms  
- Contributing to national dialogues and constitutional processes  
- Establishing Canon law to protect congregants and promote religious tolerance

The summit marked a significant step toward strengthening interfaith collaboration and positioning churches as vital agents of social transformation across Africa.