A new peacebuilding programme for the African continent will be launched this week by Church World Service, the All Africa Conference of Churches and the World Council of Churches, announced a CWS press release.

|TOP|The Eminent Persons Ecumenical Programme for Africa (EPEPA), to be launched Friday 18 November in Accra, Ghana, is an ambitious attempt to settle active conflicts in Africa using the African system of village elders, who are traditionally respected and trusted for their wisdom and life experience, as its model.

Village elders are for many still the first port of call for guidance in the resolution of conflicts that threaten to destroy the harmony of their communities.

The Rev. John McCullough, executive director and CEO of Church World Service (CWS), said the programme relies on “the incredible resource embodied in the elders and distinguished individuals already in our midst” as a mechanism for conflict resolution and the construction of peaceful communities throughout Africa.

|AD|The names of up to 15 elders selected to become part of the travelling task force will be announced at the launch of the initiative on Friday. The winning mediators were chosen from a list of 25 prominent Africans, including former South African President Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu and Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai of Kenya.

World Council of Churches General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Sam Kobia, said the timeliness of the programme adds to its significance.

“This ecumenical instrument comes at a time when the role of religion in public life is gaining greater currency and acceptance in society,” he said.

“It comes at a time when the need and desire for peacemaking, reconciliation and healing is embraced by the parties to the conflict. It comes at a time when the concept of regional solutions to regional problems is being translated into practical projects in Africa, with a reasonable degree of success.”

The chosen elders will receive further training in conflict resolution and will be available for short notice deployment to trouble spots where they will mediate between aggrieved parties.

The “Eminent Persons” will also have the power to make recommendations for action by governmental bodies and ecumenical agencies.