22 May 2016

Botswana Council of Churches (BCC) has since its establishment continued to promote church unity. 

As part of activities to celebration its golden jubilee, the council orgnanised a reception on May 21, to celebrate 50 years of the churches’ role in shaping the history of Botswana.

Giving a brief background of when BCC was formed at the reception, BCC president and Bishop of the Anglican Church-Diocese of Botswana, Rt. Rev. Metlhayotlhe Beleme said the council had remained resolute on its mandate, since its inception, through its commitment to the role of church unity in the country’s community development and in its proclamation of the gospel in Botswana.

The story of Botswana Council of Churches (BCC), formerly known as Botswana Christian Council, dated as far back as September 1964 when the first meeting to discuss the formation of an ecumenical council was held.

However, Rt. Rev. Beleme said the official inauguration of BCC took place at a meeting which was held in Gaborone on May 21, 1966. The council, he said was established by five churches following the relief programme in Northern Bechuanaland. 

“It was formed by churches that were already involved in community development work and pioneered among others; health and education services, provision of clean water and drought relief programmes,” he added. The five original churches that formed BCC, Rt. Rev. Beleme said were later joined by other churches and Christian institutions. 

Most of these Christian institutions that are members of BCC, he said were started by the founding churches of BCC ‘who saw the need to expand their cooperation to other areas of Christian services.’

In his congratulatory message, on behalf of government, the Deputy Permanent Secretary Information and Broadcasting, Mr Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo commended churches for their immense contribution in the country’s education and health sectors, as well as in Radio Botswana’s programmes. 

Some schools and hospitals in Botswana, Mr Kaboeamodimo said were built by churches, which he said was commendable. He applauded BCC for uniting churches in Botswana, despite their differences in Christianity, saying this helped to contribute to government’s efforts in community development.

For his part, on behalf of BCC past leadership, BCC past president, Rev. Rupert Hambira challenged churches to continue steering the ship of church unity in the country, saying that was the only way they would realise the peace, justice and dignity that they seek. 

Botswana Council of Churches National Golden Jubilee celebrations are scheduled to be held on August 13 and 14, in Gaborone, under the theme: “God of Life: lead us to Peace, Justice and Dignity”. ENDS