Theological remarks on the Accra Confession

Abstract

This article provides a critical evaluation of the Accra Confession (WARC 2004). The misery in various regions of the southern hemisphere poses an extreme ethical challenge for the Christian faith; the outcry for justice should not be left unheeded. It is necessary that the causes of this misery should be clearly described before viable strategies for overcoming it can be developed. The Accra Confession seems to be rather one-dimensional in its evaluation of reality. The ethical charge implied by the term ‘confession’ is of little use when dealing with complex global fields of action that only rarely allow a simple equation of cause and reaction. It is not so much a ‘confession’ (or Bekenntnis) that is needed but rather a renewed discussion among all concerned on the best ways to achieve more justice.