Churches aim to open banks

National Catholic Reporter, March 12, 2004 by Dennis Coday

NAIROBI, Kenya -- The African church is looking for ways to become more financially independent from the rich West while still forging a strong ecumenical movement on the continent, according to leaders from the All Africa Conference of Churches and a number of national church councils. The conference called a four-day meeting in late January of the general secretaries of national Christian councils and regional fellowships to map out strategies, including the possible establishment of a Christian bank in Africa.

"This could be directed to provide affordable and accessible services and a range of quality services to the ecumenical movement, as well as to other sectors of Africa's economy," said Bright Mawudor, director of finances for the conference and author of the proposal.

"We want to mobilize all the ecumenical structures on the continent," said the Rev. Nyansako-niNku, president of the conference, "so that we act together as one ecumenical force for the benefit of our people in the continent."