Across the world, Mesa Global is bringing church leaders to the table in a spirit of collaboration. Few stories capture this vision more powerfully than what unfolded two Novembers ago in a hotel meeting room in Brazzaville, Congo. There, leaders from two organizations sat down to bridge a divide that had lasted more than twenty years.
The Association of Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA) was established in 1976 to strengthen theological education across the continent, with a vision of seeing a vibrant African church that transforms communities. In its early years, however, tensions emerged within the association. Over time, those tensions led French-speaking schools and programs to separate and form their own body: the International Council of Theological Institutions for Francophone Africa (CITAF).
For two decades, misunderstandings lingered. Attempts at reconciliation faltered. Opportunities for partnership were missed. What had once been a shared mission became two parallel efforts moving forward independently. For many, a way forward together seemed nearly impossible.
That changed last November, when Mesa Global helped host a conference on theological education in Brazzaville, Congo. During the conference, leaders from Mesa’s French-Speaking Africa Hub, Matt Boyd and Bosela Eale, proposed that representatives from ACTEA and CITAF sit down together. They encouraged the two organizations to speak openly and to consider what it might look like to collaborate again for the good of the Church in Africa. It was during this conversation—around a table in a hotel meeting room—that something new began to grow.
The meeting opened the door to continued conversations, through which the Lord gradually softened hearts and restored a spirit of unity among His people. In the months that followed, leaders from both organizations gathered around the table, committing themselves to the work of reconciliation, guided by God’s transforming grace and forgiveness. With Mesa Global serving as a mediator, what began as an initial dialogue grew into a renewed commitment to pursue unity. Over time, that commitment matured into a shared plan for reunion.
One year later, the fruit of that first meeting became clear. At CITAF’s General Assembly in Côte d’Ivoire, leaders from both organizations gathered once more. After twenty years of division, they agreed to reunite as one body. Later this month, the agreement will be finalized, and the two organizations will officially become one again.
Such collaboration is possible only by God’s grace. Leaders choose humility over pride. Organizations lay aside separate agendas for the sake of the Church. Followers of Christ demonstrate His love by choosing unity over division.
This is the good that happens when we come around the table.
