| Igreja Presbiteriana de Mocambique | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Protestant |
| Orientation | Presbyterian |
| Scripture | Protestant Bible |
| 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 largestProtestant denominations ofMozambique.
The Presbyterian Church in Mozambique was started by Mozambicans, who heard the gospel inSouth Africa. Yosefa Mhalamhala converted to theReformed faith, and went back to Mozambique in 1880. In 1882 an African church was born. In 1887 theSwiss 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 aPresbyterian church.
The denomination was founded bySwiss missionaries especially Paul Bertaud. In the early years the church operated in the provinces ofMaputo andGaza 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 thePortuguese authorities. In 1998 the denomination celebrated its 50th anniversary.[2]In July, 2012 the denomination celebrated the 125th anniversary.[3]
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 ofpersecution of Christians.
The denomination adheres to theApostle Creed,Nicene Creed and theHeidelberg Catechism. It has Presbyterian church government with Presbyteries, Synods and theGeneral Assembly.[5]
The Presbyterian Church in Mozambique is a member of theWorld Communion of Reformed Churches.[6]
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