The Renewal of Toco: Celebrating 60 Years of Faith with His Holiness Bishop Dom Afonso Nunes
CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE WORLD THE TOCOISTS Remembered on July 25, 1949, By His Holiness Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco EPISCOPATE DECLARATION OF THE EPISCOPATE ON THE OCCASION OF THE 60TH BIRTHDAY OF HIS HOLINESS BISHOP DOM AFONSO NUNES – THE RENEWAL OF TOCO HIS HOLINESS FATHER MAYAMONA, Spiritual Leader of the COLJCM Dear Mother Deaconess FELICIANA FERNANDO NUNES Your Reverend Auxiliary and Honorary Bishops, Honorable Members of the Body of the 24 Elders, Esteemed Members of the Episcopate, Blessed Members of the Central Women’s Ministry, Valiant Youth Ministry and the Central Children’s Ministry, Distinguished Members of the Central Men’s Order Sisters and Brothers, Life is a precious and sacred gift, granted by GOD for the fulfillment of an eternal purpose. When a man is called, anointed, and set apart to serve the Lord and guide His children, his existence ceases to be merely personal; it becomes a living testament to divine faithfulness and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. It is in this spirit of reverence, love, and gratitude that the Leadership of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the World «THE TOCOISTS» and all the sons and daughters of God, celebrate the 60th birthday of His Holiness Bishop Dom Afonso Nunes, Spiritual Leader of the Church, Faithful Servant, and Continuator of the Work of the Holy Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco. “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3) Throughout his pastoral journey, His Holiness Dom Afonso Nunes has been a prudent Worker, a compassionate Father and Pastor, who guides the Church with wisdom, humility, and unwavering faith. Under his leadership, Tocoism has known a phase of profound revitalization, expansion, and recognition, extending to various continents and consolidating itself as an authentic expression of contemporary African Christianity. His spiritual and institutional vision has enabled, since 2000, a harmonious relaunching of relations between the Church and the Governments of the Countries where it is established, based on mutual respect, cooperation, and a commitment to the common good. With equal zeal, His Holiness has promoted ecumenical dialogue and the strengthening of unity among religious confessions, advocating for peace, tolerance, and fraternity as pillars of human coexistence. As an emanation of the Holy Prophet Simão Toco, His Holiness Bishop Dom Afonso Nunes has also promoted the social intervention of the Church, advancing education, solidarity, and social justice. Under his guidance, the Church has been actively engaged in humanitarian causes, supporting the most vulnerable, aiding the needy, and demonstrating solidarity with oppressed and afflicted peoples, in fidelity to Christ’s commandment of love. “In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen…” (Amos 9:110) His leadership is not merely administrative or institutional— it is, above all, prophetic and inspiring. In times of adversity, particularly at the present moment when humanity faces challenges of various kinds, His Holiness continues to show courage, faith, resilience, and serenity, demonstrating to all the children of God that the strength of the divine calling is not measured by the absence of trials, but by the firmness with which one remains Faithful to the mission received. His Holiness Bishop Dom Afonso Nunes, In this context, the Church Leadership and the Tocoist Universe raise to the Almighty prayers of intercession and encouragement, asking that our God may continue to renew Your strength and grant You long life and peace, so that You may continue to guide the Church with the same zeal, vision, and spiritual love that have always characterized You. “And the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10) On this jubilee date, it is also just and worthy to recognize the support and dedication of Deaconess Mother Feliciana Fernando Nunes, the Wife of His Holiness, a virtuous woman, a tireless companion in mission and counselor, who has shared with selflessness and faith the joys and challenges of the spiritual and family journey. May the Lord reward you with abundant blessings, wisdom, and health, and may you continue to be an example of steadfastness, love, and service in the Holy Work. In the name of all the Men, Women, Young People, and Children of the Tocoist Universe, we express our spiritual joy and reaffirm our commitment to the prophetic vision of the Holy Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco and the leadership of His Holiness Dom Afonso Nunes. We celebrate, therefore, not just another year of life, but sixty years of faith, spirituality, service, and inspiration, which continue to bear fruit for the glory of God and the aggrandizement of the Church. May the grace of the Lord continue to shine upon His Holiness and upon all his family, granting them prosperity, health, and lasting peace. Long Live His Holiness Bishop Dom Afonso Nunes! Long Live the Renewal of Toco! Long Live the Church of Christ! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! FOR A UNITED, UNIQUE, AND INDIVISIBLE CHURCH: ORDER, FIRMNESS, AND FAITH! EPISCOPATE OF THE CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE WORLD «THE TOCOISTS» in Luanda, on October 12, 0025. “Year of the Consolidation of Received Gifts and in the Storm GOD Will Provide” – Millennium of Christ. FOR THE GOOD OF THE CHURCH, THE ELDERS AND COUNSELORS CENTRAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Auxiliary Bishop JOÃO JORGE DAVID