Submission and Review Process
The Africa Confession of Faith welcomes thoughtful engagement from the broader Christian community. We value your insights, questions, and constructive critiques as they help refine and strengthen this confession for the benefit of the entire Church.
Types of Submissions
We accept four types of submissions:
Affirmations
Express your agreement with and support for specific statements in the confession. Affirmations help us understand which aspects of the confession resonate most strongly with the Church and provide encouragement to the Editorial Board.
Questions
Ask for clarification or deeper explanation of specific statements or theological positions. Questions help identify areas where the confession may need additional explanation or where supporting resources could be beneficial.
Concerns
Raise theological concerns or suggest improvements to specific statements. Concerns must be substantive, biblically grounded, and presented with clarity and respect. They help ensure the confession maintains theological accuracy and clarity.
Comments
Share general observations, insights, or reflections on specific statements or sections. Comments provide valuable feedback on clarity, contextual relevance, and practical application of the confession's teachings.
Submission Guidelines
To ensure productive engagement, please follow these guidelines:
1. Be Specific
Reference the exact statement, chapter, or section you are addressing. Vague or general comments are difficult to evaluate and respond to effectively.
2. Be Biblical
Ground your submission in Scripture. If raising a concern, cite specific biblical passages that inform your position. All evaluation ultimately rests on what Scripture teaches.
3. Be Clear
Express your thoughts clearly and concisely. Avoid overly technical language unless necessary, and explain specialized terms when used.
4. Be Respectful
Engage with charity and humility, even when disagreeing. Personal attacks, dismissive language, or uncharitable interpretations will not be considered.
5. Be Constructive
If raising a concern, propose a constructive alternative when possible. Help us understand not only what might be problematic but also how it could be improved.
Review Process
All submissions go through a careful review process:
- Initial Screening
Submissions are reviewed to ensure they meet basic guidelines and are appropriate for consideration.
- Theological Evaluation
Multiple members of the Editorial Board evaluate the submission against Scripture and historic Christian orthodoxy.
- Board Discussion
Significant submissions are discussed by the full Editorial Board to consider their implications and merit.
- Response and Action
Submitters receive acknowledgment of their contribution. If changes are warranted, they are documented and implemented according to the governance process.
- Public Documentation
Substantive submissions and the board's responses may be published (with permission) to benefit the broader community.
What to Expect
Please understand the following regarding the review process:
- All submissions receive careful consideration, but not all will result in changes to the confession
- The review process takes time, typically 4-8 weeks for initial response, longer for complex matters
- Priority is given to submissions that are most clearly grounded in Scripture and most significant in their implications
- The Editorial Board reserves the right to decline submissions that do not meet guidelines or contribute constructively
- Changes to the confession are made cautiously and only when there is strong biblical warrant and broad consensus
Submit Your Engagement
Ready to engage with the confession? You can submit your affirmations, questions, or concerns through our systematic review interface.
Go to Systematic Review