One of the many children displaced by ongoing conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan. Photo: Nils Carstensen/ACT-Caritas

Peacemaking IN AFRICA

Story by Ann Walle/CWS

The Eminent Persons Ecumenical Program for Peace in Africa (EPEPPA) is an initiative led by an international partnership of the heads of Church World Service, the All Africa Conference of Churches, and the World Council of Churches.

In cultures throughout Africa, village elders traditionally are trusted for the wisdom and experience they have accumulated. Because this advisory tradition is so deeply rooted in the culture of all African nations, EPEPPA will employ it as a model for the peacebuilding initiative.

The Eminent Persons will be charged with making recommendations for action by governmental bodies and ecumenical agencies. Peacebuilding efforts will center on national and political conflicts as well as local resource-driven conflicts.

Rev. John L. McCullough, Executive Director and CEO of CWS, said the program relies on "the resource embodied in the elders and distinguished individuals already in our midst."

According to World Council of Churches General Secretary Dr. Sam Kobia, the timeliness of the program adds to its significance. "This ecumenical instrument comes when the role of religion in public life is gaining greater currency and acceptance in society.... The need and desire for peacemaking, reconciliation, and healing is embraced," said Dr. Kobia.

In January 2006, McCullough led a delegation of religious leaders to the West Africa Peace Consultation in Liberia, in partnership with the Committee on Common Witness.

Your prayers and gifts are needed as we continue to walk in the ways of peace in Africa -- and around the world.