Igreja Presbiteriana de Moçambique
| Igreja Presbiteriana de Mocambique | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Protestant |
| Orientation | Calvinist |
| Theology | Reformed |
| Polity | Presbyterian |
| Associations | World Communion of Reformed Churches |
| Founder | Yosefa Mhalamhala |
| Origin | 1887 Mozambique |
| Congregations | 350, plus 450 house fellowships |
| Members | 100,000 [1] |
Igreja Presbiteriana de Moçambique is one of the largest Protestant denominations of Mozambique.
History
The Presbyterian Church in Mozambique was started by Mozambicans, who heard the gospel in South Africa. Yosefa Mhalamhala converted to the Reformed faith, and went back to Mozambique in 1880. In 1882 an African church was born. In 1887 the Swiss missionaries joined the African Church and founded the Swiss Mission. Since then it was known as simply the Swiss mission. It has established schools, hospitals and agricultural settings. In 1948 it became independent. It is a Presbyterian church.
The denomination was founded by Swiss missionaries especially Paul Bertaud. In the early years the church operated in the provinces of Maputo and Gaza but today it spread across the country. By 1948 the church become autonomous and self-supporting. In 1972 the first Synod president and several other members was arrested by the Portuguese authorities. In 1998 the denomination celebrated its 50th anniversary.[2] In July, 2012 the denomination celebrated the 125th anniversary.[3]
Statistics
In 2004 it had 350 congregations, 400 house missions and 100,000 members. The church is stronger in the southern regions.[4] Mozambique is among the countries which has a history of persecution of Christians.
Doctrine
The denomination adheres to the Apostle Creed, Nicene Creed and the Heidelberg Catechism. It has Presbyterian church government with Presbyteries, Synods and the General Assembly.[5]
Interchurch organisations
The Presbyterian Church in Mozambique is a member of the World Communion of Reformed Churches.[6]
References
- ^ "Portal Mackenzie: A Tradição Reformada no Terceiro Mundo". Archived from the original on 2014-02-17. Retrieved 2016-06-12. www.mackenzie.com.br/7025.98.htm
- ^ http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-10052012-094035/unrestricted/00front.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ "Nandi Iwe!: Igreja Presbiteriana de Moçambique Comemora 125 Anos Chefe de Estado Moçambicano Enalteceu Seu Papel Relevante Na Luta de Libertação Nacional". 2012.
- ^ "Mozambique — Presbyterians at work around the world — Mission and Ministry — Presbyterian Mission Agency". Archived from the original on 2013-12-24. Retrieved 2013-04-06.
- ^ "Adressdatenbank reformierter Kirchen und Einrichtungen".
- ^ "Member Churches". Archived from the original on 2013-12-21. Retrieved 2015-05-19.
