The new Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (Johannesburg CCAP) says it is set to provide an alternative prayer environment for Presbyterian Christians and aspiring Christians in Johannesburg.
Simwinga: CCAP Johannesburg is not affiliated to any synod
It says that it wants to be the church that is devoid of politics, patriotism, cronyism, nepotism and favouritism.
In a statement made available to Nyasa Times and signed by its Board Member Atupiye Simwinga, it notes that hypocrisy is increasing amongst Christians and Christian leaders as such, they decided to be unique by being independent and therefore not affiliated to or aligned with any CCAP Synods in Malawi or elsewhere.
The Johannesburg CCAP was officially registered in May 2015 and celebrated its 1st anniversary on 30th August 2015.
He said that its aim is to ensure that it promotes a culture and practice amongst Christians that allows for the Holy Spirit to flourish and that people experience and partake in the work of God irrespective of status or origin.
The statement further said Johannesburg CCAP aims to ensure that members understand the importance of keeping a healthy relationship with God.
The Church believes that “it is only through such a healthy relationship with God, that members are guaranteed of salvation and eternal life.”
It calls on the members to take responsibility for ensuring a healthy relationship with God by exercising a prayerful life that is evidenced by their steadfastness in their trust and belief in God.
Quizzed why they have gone independent while the Blantyre, Nkhoma and Livingstonia Synods of the CCAP also operate in South Africa, Simwinga said that they believe that Synods are counter-productive on issues of nation building and that they “are advancing a Malawian scenario in South Africa.”
He did not elaborate.
Simwinga claimed that Synods came later and simply inherited some prayer groups that were already on the ground.
He further said that attempts to unite these congregations belonging to the three synods were unsuccessful as some were unwilling to surrender their congregations into this unity arguing that their presence in South Africa are “mainly for financial and political purposes”
Johannesburg CCAP with about 120 members has no church minister but has a Board of Trustees (eight from all congregations in Johannesburg) and is run by Elders and Deacons.
Simwinga disclosed that the leadership has the powers to hire and fire a pastor.
In its first year of existence, it has opened two Congregations, one in Springs (Johannesburg East) and the other one in Yeoville (Johannesburg Central).
Johannesburg CCAP is reported to have partnered with the Church of Christ in Johannesburg among others to share and learn from each other on issues of mutual interest.
A CCAP Church minister who refused to be named said while it is mandatory that any CCAP congregation be under a Synod, “a possibility of a formation of a new Synod cannot be ruled out” adding that, “coming up with a new Presbyterian body with a new name is also another possibility.”
CCAP in Malawi has in recent years been rocked with financial mismanagement, territorial, political and ministerial challenges.
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ALL THE BEST THE RSA-CCAP
Ndalama zatenga malo my mpingo
There is no god and – so – there can be no mercy from that non-existent quarter.
What you are describing is pure human folly by purely human men.
Men who care more about money and power than they do about their fellow human beings.
You should stop all contact with such money-mad and power-crazed individuals.
Remaining in contact with such people only encourages their excesses.
Put a stop to your contacts with them – for your own and others’ peace of mind.
Ambuye…ndiye church name should not be CCAP—-this means Church of Central Africa……and Central Africa—means Malawi…………………..kikikikikik……CCAP —Church of South Africa Presy……. ( CSAP)….kikikikikikiki
Chamdera 2 yo ndi Chimwemwe Mhango ndithuuuuuuuuuuuuu, that’s his language tikakumana kukagulu kathuko ndamuwona uyu ndi Mbavadi, Crook lotherathu. Wati user mokwanila iwe pita pa Jozi pakopo ife tisala ndi Synod yathu unatipeza uzatisiyaso.
Why use the name CCAP?. Business ya pa Malawi coz Major 1 is doing good in RSA. shame
When did South Africa become Central Africa? Another pile of bull shit!! Maina onsewa!!
This is the way to go brother . The CCAP hierarchies here in this country is too insensitive to its flock especially the younger members . If the CCAP is divided in this country taking each other to earthly courts it just shows its devoid of the holy spirit .And its always going in the wrong direction allo wing politicians to use it during elections as we saw with Blantyre Synod elections