In a landmark gathering of faith leaders, theologians, and justice advocates from across the globe, the Accra+20 High-Level Consultation convened in Hannover from Dec. 3–5, 2024, to commemorate 20 years of the transformative Accra Confession. This high-level consultation reflects on the Confession’s prophetic vision, celebrating its legacy while charting a renewed path toward justice, peace, and the integrity of creation. Under the theme “Celebrating, Confessing, and Covenanting,” participants are addressing pressing issues of systemic injustice and ecological crises while recommitting to actionable, faith-based responses.
Najla Kassab, president of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), set the tone with a stirring address, challenging participants to consider their collective direction as a global communion. Drawing on Einstein’s metaphor of searching for his train ticket, she urged attendees to ask, “Where are we going?” Kassab emphasized, “The Accra Confession challenges us to live with integrity, to align our faith with our actions, and to confront the pain and injustice surrounding us. It reminds us that we are a communion in the making, called to witness to God’s justice for all creation.”
Philip Vinod Peacock, executive secretary for justice and witness at the WCRC, further highlighted the Confession’s enduring significance: “The Accra Confession was a gift from the Reformed communion to the larger ecumenical community. It shows us that justice lies at the very heart of God, and therefore, economic justice is central to a life of faith,” he said.
Setri Nyomi, general secretary of the WCRC, reflected on the journey leading to the Accra Confession, saying, “The journey towards Accra had key milestones, from the 1995 meeting in Kitwe, Zambia, where African churches called for a status confessionis on economic and climate injustice, to the 23rd General Council in Debrecen, which established the processus confessionis. This consultation celebrates the Accra Confession while addressing its gaps and challenges. We give thanks for those who were part of this journey, such as Russel Botman and Kim Yong Bok, and draw inspiration from figures like Gustavo Gutierrez. The Accra Confession remains a vital part of the ecumenical journey, with the WCRC walking alongside partners like the Council for World Mission and the World Council of Churches.”
The three-day Accra+20 Consultation unfolded as a profound journey of reflection and renewal. On Dec. 3, participants celebrated the enduring impact of the Accra Confession, with theologians Jooseop Keum, Dora Arce Valentin, and Henry Kuo emphasizing its global role in uniting faith communities for justice. The focus shifted on Dec. 4 to addressing gaps in the Confession, with key discussions on youth inclusion, eco-feminism, and indigenous perspectives led by Karen Georgia Thompson, Sylvia Mukaku, and Luciano Kovacs. The consultation concludes on Dec. 5 with Allan Boesak and Septemmy Lakawa guiding commitments to justice, reconciliation, and actionable resolutions that uphold the Confession’s transformative principles.
This high-level gathering offers a sacred space for dialogue, worship, and reflection. It amplifies diverse perspectives, including those of youth, indigenous communities, and eco-spiritual movements, fostering a collective resolve to advocate for the marginalized and steward creation responsibly.
Karen Georgia Thompson, general minister and president of the United Church of Christ, underscored the interconnected suffering of African descendants and environmental degradation. She emphasized the necessity of reparatory justice as a critical aspect of addressing historical oppression. “Reparatory justice is an issue that I believe Accra should speak to, as it addresses the oppression caused by economic systems. If there is no reparatory justice, then the case must be made for what is owed to people who have been oppressed,” shared Thompson.
Thompson highlighted the economic exploitation of African descendants and indigenous peoples and criticized the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent for failing to address colonialism and reparations.
As this historic gathering unfolds, participants reaffirm their commitment to a compassionate, equitable, and hopeful world, standing in solidarity to advance the Accra Confession’s transformative vision for justice and peace.
Join the Conversation
The World Communion of Reformed Churches invites the global faith community to follow the consultation’s progress and engage in discussions through live updates on social media using #accraplustwenty and #accraconfession
This consultation was made possible through funds from Otto Per Mille (OPM).
