Gabon ministry prepares church synod to end crisis
The Ministry of Interior plans a national synod in December 2026 to restore leadership legitimacy and unity within the Evangelical Church of Gabon.
Gabon's Ministry of Interior, Security, and Decentralisation (MISD) has outlined plans for a national synod of the Evangelical Church of Gabon (EEG) in early December 2026. The aim is to restore legitimacy to the church's leadership and foster unity after a period of division. Preparatory work, involving consultations with current church bodies and stakeholders, concluded on November 6, 2026.
The proposed synod follows a decision made on August 14, 2026, and endorsed by the Council of Ministers on September 18, 2026. It prioritises organising a new national synod over extending the mandate of existing, contested leadership. The current EEG bodies will convene the synod to ensure procedural regularity, with a focus on electing new delegates from parishes and synodal regions for inclusive representation.
The governance of the EEG is also set for renewal, with plans to establish a new National Council and its bureau. Candidates for the position of President Pastor will be open to all, with consensus being the preferred method for selection. Voting will only be considered if two opposing candidacies emerge. These measures aim to provide a fresh start and lasting unity for the church.