The Archbishop of Kenya, the Most Revd Benjamin Mwanzia Nzimbi, welcomed communicators from the Council of the Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) at an official opening yesterday in Nairobi, Kenya. It is the first time in 11 years that an Anglican Provincial Communicators Workshop has taken place in Africa.
Most of the 12 Anglican provinces of the African continent, as well as the Anglican Communion Office, are represented. During the four-day workshop, many of the principle communicators within the Anglican Communion are discussing key areas that the church needs to address in order to achieve excellence in communication.
The Revd Canon John Kanyikwa, General Secretary of CAPA, extended his greetings to all those present and focussed on some of the important issues and problems that affect the continent of Africa today. "The challenge that we have this week is recognising Africa in the context of this millennium and moving forward with technology," he said. "Only when we meet together, share together and pray together can we do this effectively."
Canon John's words of encouragement inspired the delegates immediately to address the theme of the workshop, "Helping the church accomplish its mission through effective communication." It soon became apparent that there are certain provinces that are more deeply affected as a consequence of their socio-political circumstances. The war-torn areas of the Congo and Burundi, along with the religious conflicts within the Sudan, were examples of some of the challenges that need to be confronted in order to successfully achieve the mandate of the workshop.
"As you know, communications is an important component of all aspects of development," said Archbishop Nzimbi. "Particularly as the world is being inter-linked through the superhighway of Information Technology. The church in Africa, as part of the Anglican Communion, cannot afford to be left behind."
Particular attention is being drawn to implementing structures which will enable all provinces to disseminate their news and information effectively throughout Africa and the wider Communion. The future of our global family relies on these initiatives and CAPA has been instrumental in upholding such ministry.
Matthew Davies