Could you imagine a church that embodies unity and partnership? That’s FJKM Atsimon’i Mahamasina. This church stands as a testament to a rich history. It also shows the strength of collaboration among different missionary societies.
FJKM Atsimon’i Mahamasina is located on 17 Rue Andriba. It is more than just a religious building. It represents a union of faith and shared purpose. To get here, consider the bus. Lines 125, 127A and 153 will bring you close.
Let’s step back in time. The Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar was founded in 1968. It was the result of 18 years of negotiations. Three churches joined together. They came from the London Missionary Society. The Paris Missionary Society and the Friends Foreign Mission Association also took part. These societies had historic links. They continue today through the church’s membership in CWM and Cevaa. The Quaker Peace and Service also remain.
The London Missionary Society first arrived in Madagascar in 1818. Between 1820 and 1835, they opened schools. The first church was founded. The entire Bible was translated into Malagasy. However, the missionaries faced challenges. Until 1861, they were unwelcome. Malagasy Christians were persecuted.
A more liberal reign began in 1862. LMS missionaries were allowed back in Antananarivo. They found a very active local church. In 1864, Quakers arrived. They worked with the LMS. They formed a Friends Church. It was located southwest of the capital. The Society of Evangelical Missions from Paris arrived later. They came with the French conquest in 1896. Malagasy church leaders completed the union negotiations. Missionaries started them.
Today, the FJKM is the largest Protestant church in Madagascar. It follows a presbyterian-synodal system. Congregations gather into regional synods. They meet yearly. The national synod meets every four years. The national council has 80 members. It meets twice a year. The church’s offices are in Antananarivo.
FJKM Atsimon’i Mahamasina is deeply involved in education. It has three theological colleges. It also has one theological faculty. The church owns 552 schools. It prioritizes evangelism. It also focuses on Christian education. The FJKM works to develop its leaders. It fights against poverty. The church has departments, branches and units. It runs an orphanage. It owns a printing house. It has a development department. Permanent committees address finance and injustice. They also address HIV-AIDS.
At a national level, the FJKM partners with the Lutheran Church since 1913. It works through the Federation of Protestant Churches. The FJKM also founded the Christian Council in 1980. It joined with the Roman Catholic. The Anglican and Lutheran churches also joined. This shows Christian solidarity in the country.
So, as you stand before FJKM Atsimon’i Mahamasina. Remember its journey. From early missions to a united church. It is a beacon of faith and partnership. A testament to the enduring spirit of Christianity in Madagascar.