African and African Diaspora Conference a “walk of faith” that will keep going

African and African Diaspora Conference a “walk of faith” that will keep going

msc

Tue, 11/10/2026 - 13:14

The Africa and African Diaspora Conference, held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 26-30 October was in many ways “ a walk of faith,” said Rev. Dr Angelique Walker-Smith, World Council of Churches (WCC) president from North America-Turtle Island.

Image

Photo: AAD

The conference served as a partnership platform dedicated to advancing African sovereignty unified with African Diaspora self-determination, reparatory justice, and the fostering of sustainable solidarity between Africa, its African global diaspora and the world. The theme of the gathering was “The Return to Africa.”

“Indeed, a number of those from the diaspora came through the ‘Doors of No Return’ which they turned into ‘Doors of Return,’ ” said Walker-Smith.

The delegated assembly provided an intentional space for dialogue, affirmation of faith, strategic policy formation, and community-led action.

Rev. Dr Walker-Smith and Rev. Frank Chikane, former moderator of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA), co-organized the…