African Church leaders' statement on aid effectiveness
21 May 2008
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We delegates of various Churches across the African continent under the auspices of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) and the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), met from 21 – 23 May 2008 to review the aid reform process as articulated in the Paris Declaration, at the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Ecumenical Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
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We critically reviewed the aid reform process as stipulated in the Paris Declaration under the Accra Agenda for Action (AAA). We examined the five pillars of the Declaration in the light of our great command of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ “to preach, teach, heal and liberate the people of God…” (Luke 4:18f ). This command also compels us to adhere to the biblical and theological values that include the fundamental human dignity, respect for the integrity of creation and the common good, in the spirit of Ubuntu, “I am because you are and you are because I am we are”, as well as the ongoing African Union integration processes and initiatives.
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The African Church recognizes the efforts and the spirit of the Paris Declaration in development and affirms the Better Aid position by the International Civil Society Steering Group. We acknowledge the
development work undertaken by religious institutions in Africa. We encourage the Working Group of Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the African Governments
in strengthening their engagement with religious institutions.
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The African Church views aid for development as aid that promotes the integrity of creation, social justice, sharing, participation of all stakeholders, responsible stewardship, upholding of the rule of law,
democracy, good governance, respect for human dignity, gender equality and accountability at all levels.
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The African Church’s engagement in political processes is rooted in the scriptures, its mission, its involvement in lives of communities and its long history in aid for holistic development. This is evident in Her contribution towards development in such areas as education, health, environment and rural development. The role of the African Church as a major provider of social services, political advocacy and the upholding of human dignity on the continent is immense. The African Church appreciates the support that the global Diaconia continues to give, as She pursues Her objectives. In future, The African Church envisages a situation where the support of development partners and the donor community towards the government is based on participatory consultation, especially with all the stakeholders in the country where aid is directed. The conditionality for the aid should be embedded in just and equitable conditions as well as consideration of the recipient’s objectives.
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The African Church recognizes its role in the conscientization, the provision of moral and ethical guidance as well as being the custodian of reparation, peace building, social stabilization and reconciliation especially in fragile situations.
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The African Church recognizes development as horizontal and bottom up rather than top down. The African Church views “aid effectiveness should be measured in its contribution to sustained reduction of poverty and inequalities; and its support of human rights, democracy, environmental sustainability and gender equality”. It must be a transformational development that is based on the theological
affirmation that all persons are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27) with the potential to live just, humane and dignified lives in sustainable communities.
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