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Coef 5
COEF 5 stands for "Fellowship of Francophone (French-Speaking)
Organizations and Churches on the 5 continents"
Presentation
COEF 5 aims to promote interaction between Christian
organizations throughout the Francophone world.
The Francophone world :
500 million people, 50 nations, on the 5 continents...
A NAME
... invented in 1880 by the French geographer Elisée Reclus, the French word
"Francophonie" indicates all countries and territories where French is
spoken.
AN IDEA
... popularized in the sixties by Habib Bourguiba (Tunisia), Jean-Marc Léger (Quebec)
and Leopold Senghor (Senegal) in order to build "an international Francophone
community around a common ideal : a dialogue between cultures".
A PROJECT
... which became a reality in 1986 in Paris with the first summit meeting of countries
having in common the use of the French language. Further meetings were held in Quebec
(1987), Dakar (1989), Paris (1991) and Mauritius (1993), preparing the way for better
exchange and cooperation.
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COEF 5 :
a network covering over 30 nations, reaching 70 million Christians.
A NAME
... given by the Holy Spirit in 1988 to designate Christian Organizations and Churches
in fellowship in Francophone countries on the 5 continents.
AN IDEA
... shared and confirmed by various leaders of Christian churches, organizations and
associations, such as Philippe Joret, Richard Borgman, Mamadou Karambiri, in order to
create a network of relationships and exchanges reaching beyond national and
denominational frontiers.
A PROJECT
... which came into being in 1992 when COEF 5 International was founded. A year later
the first Christian Francophone conference was held in Bordeaux, assembling 1700 delegates
from over 30 Francophone countries.
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Why Coef 5 ?
How it all Started
The vision came out of a growing concern and a prayer burden for the French-speaking
world. What does Francophonie represent ? What is the state of the Church of Christ in the
Francophone countries of the world ? What are the relations between the churches of these
countries ? Which organization in the Body of Christ can provide information and encourage
the development of exchange in the French language, a cultural heritage which is part of
the left-overs of colonialism ?
Bridges need to be build
The Gospel has spread in a number of countries in the Francophone world, with varying
degrees of success. However, exchanges between ministries are few or non-existent. The
evident need of a catalyst for developing multilateral relations became obvious. COEF 5 is
opening up new avenues and building bridges in this domain in the Francophone world.
Communicating gifts and abilities
A special gift of the Creator's grace is bestowed on each continent (and each nation).
When the Church of one nation is in contact with the Church of another nation, it receives
the supernatural grace the spirit has bestowed on the other. It is at the same time a
divine communication and a cultural enlargement, making the meaning of
"complementarity" understandable. So we can make known together God's manifold
wisdom, alive in all these cultures. The Church is enriched and strengthened by contacts
with others, and thereby becomes increasingly efficient. COEF 5 brings us all together to
shine for the Gospel.
A christian force within the Francophone world
In the social, political, economic and technological fields, Francophonie has only
recently become a reality. A new concept for the world before us... Institutions
coordinate and plan different projects in order to shape the future for Francophone
countries. Christians need to get on the move in the Francophone nations in order to make
their presence felt and exert their influence on project developments for Francophonie on
an international level. COEF 5 is an organization taking prophetic initiatives and
collaborating with the Francophone authorities.
"Raison d'être"
To be a platform promoting dynamic exchange and cooperation
between Christian organizations in Francophone nations, so that we get to know each other
better and respect one another more.
How does Coef 5 operate ?
Organization
National Coordination
We seek to set up a committee on a clear and simple basis in each Francophone country
or geographical area (Pacific lslands, the Caribbean, etc.) with the object of forming a
national committee, as a registered non-profit-making association.
Structure
Each national committee includes :
Christian ministries from various branches of the Church, who have a significant
influence in their area or their nation.
Professionals, who are committed Christians working in all facets of society,
(business, government, education, media, health, family, justice, culture).
Values
As well as their testimony of faith and integrity, national committee members are
expected to recognize and contribute to the development of the following values in their
own country and in the Francophone world :
Faith for Church planning and Church growth
lmpacting society and culture by Christian ministries
Dependance upon the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit
A heart ablaze to see the Kingdom of God come in the Francophone world
Openness to welcome intercultural and interdenominational relations
Resources
National committees made up of church leaders and professionals, in the Francophone
countries, for whom these values form an integral part of their lives.
"Signe dans la Francophonie", a bi-monthly magazine linking us together.
A bi-annual Christian Francophone Conference, alternating between Francophone
countries of the North and the South.
A network of ministries and organizations rendering mutual service.
An international chain of prayer and solidarity.
Coef 5 relations with other organizations
COEF 5 being neither a church nor a mission, aims to be a catalyst for existing and
future relationships within Francophone countries and between nations showing mutual
respect for each and every one. It is not necessary for anyone to leave his church or
organization in order to collaborate with COEF 5.
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