I didn’t realize how conservative African churches are till this semester at school. It has come up in class a couple of times. When the American Episcopalian Church ordained Deacon Gene Robinson as bishop, African Episcopalian bishops condemned it.

Now they’re putting their mouth where their money is. They are rejecting funds from the rich western churches that condone homosexuality:

“We will not, on the altar of money, mortgage our conscience, mortgage our faith, mortgage our salvation.” – Archbishop Peter Akinola

But this doesn’t appear to be a one-issue decision. The African churches need to stop being dependent on western money. The Archbishop recognizes this and he also recognizes that this will be hardship and sacrifice.

What brave souls. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:19 ESV) I wish more western churches were so brave.

beloved these are perilous days
when your culture is so set in it’s ways
that you will listen to salesmen and thieves
preaching other than the truth you’ve received – Derek Webb