Did you know that the Old Apostolic Church has roots stretching back to the Catholic Apostolic Church? We are standing before a place with a fascinating history. Let me tell you the story of the Old Apostolic Church.
The story begins in 1832 with the Catholic Apostolic Church’s establishment. This came about as part of the Albury Movement. Its establishment in Africa is primarily attributed to one man. That man is Carl George Klibbe.
Carl George Klibbe was born in Pomerania in 1852. He was a preacher in the Lutheran Church. He encountered Apostolic doctrine in Schladen Germany. There he met Heinrich Niemeyer. Years later Klibbe moved to Hatton Vale in Queensland Australia. In 1886 Klibbe and his family embraced the Apostolic doctrine. Apostle H F Niemeyer sealed them.
Before his death in 1931 Klibbe appointed his successors. These were Apostles Ernest Fredrick Willhelm Ninow, Carl Fredrick Willhelm Ninow and William Campbell. EFW Ninow became the Chairman and Leader.
Today the Old Apostolic Church has around 2 million members in Africa. You can find congregations in many countries. These include South Africa, Eswatini and Namibia. They are also in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana. The church has spread to Zambia, Malawi and even the USA. You’ll find them in Canada and the British Isles too. They are also in the Netherlands, Belgium and Australia. Furthermore they are in New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates. The Old Apostolic Church is distinct. It is independent from the New Apostolic Church and the United Apostolic Church.
Several schisms have occurred. In 1925 the Apostolic Church broke away. Heinrich Velde Klibbe’s son in law led this group. It joined the Apostolic Church of South Africa Apostle Unity. It also became part of the United Apostolic Church. In 1968 the Twelve Apostles Church of Africa formed. This was over doctrinal differences under Jim Scotch Ndlovu. He had been removed from office. In 1972 the Reformed Old Apostolic Church separated. Robert Lombard led this split due to disagreements over racial segregation and revelations received by Lombard. It was first known as the Non-White Old Apostolic Church. A court case forced a name change in 1975. The Foundation of Apostles and Prophets Church was founded in 1993. Vuyisilile Naborth Vika a former Helper-Apostle established it. He was removed for promoting politics within the church.
Members of the Old Apostolic Church hold specific views. They cannot be registered members of political parties. They cannot stand for election. They also cannot openly declare their political views. The church does not support political parties. However members can vote as they choose. Officers cannot endorse any political party. Doing so may result in removal from office. Members must obey the laws of their country. This is true even if it causes them anguish.
The Old Apostolic Church made submissions to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. It was the only Apostolic Church to do so. This was not an admission of guilt. The church was not found guilty of breaking any laws. Church policy requires assistance to the government as required by law.
The Old Apostolic Church uses the Authorised King James Version of the Bible. All Bibles must be comparable to it. The Afrikaanse Ou Vertaling is used in Afrikaans-speaking congregations. In Germany the 1912 Luther Bible is used. The Old Apostolic Church Confession is clear. It states: We believe in the Holy Scriptures. We believe in the Old and New Testaments. We believe in the fulfillment of the promises contained therein.
The Old Apostolic Church stands as a testament to faith. It reflects a journey through history. It embodies a commitment to its doctrines. Its story continues to unfold. It touches lives across continents.