New Year’s Message from the Spiritual Leader
CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE WORLD THE TOCOISTS Revived on July 25, 1949, By His Holiness Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco OFFICE OF THE SPIRITUAL LEADER DEPARTMENT OF DOCUMENTATION AND PUBLICATION LITERARY PRODUCTION NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE “SPECIAL” PRONOUNCEMENTS OF THE SON OF MAN – THE CHRIST OF THE LIVING GOD, HIS HOLINESS THE PROPHET SIMÃO GONÇALVES TOCO “FATHER MAYAMONA” TO THE CHURCH, THE ANGOLAN NATION, AFRICA, AND THE WORLD Greetings and Reflections on the Past Year Beloved members of the Body of the 24 Elders, Esteemed members of the Episcopate, Your Most Reverend Auxiliary Bishops, Distinguished members of the Women’s Central Council, Distinguished members of the Youth and Children’s Central Council, Illustrious Guests, Daughters and sons of God! I want, on behalf of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the World and in my own personal name, to thank from the bottom of my spirit God and Father of glory, for the way He knew how to protect us, during the 365 days, against the various challenges that the contemporary world placed before us day after day. It would be ungrateful on my part and, at the same time, imprudent, if I did not recognize His power and glory that made the one who was insignificant in the eyes of the world, transforming him into the brightest star and the foremost man that humanity has ever known by making him sit on the throne, placing him among the great and in the midst of the kings of this world, I Samuel 2:8. The year 0010 of the Millennium of Christ was marked by memorable events that elevated the Church’s good name and prestige. Many noteworthy facts took place in the period of reference, standing out among the many, the pilgrimage to the Holy City of “Ntaya” Maquela do Zombo, on the occasion of the celebrations of the ninety-second birthday of the Founder of Tocoism, on February 24, 0010, in which the world observed the commotion of the one who was, is, and will forever be the Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco, dead in the flesh, but living in spirit, working and guiding his Church, so that triumphantly it can proceed with its mission. God, in His mission to save the world, to rescue man from sin, and guide him back to paradise, has been using men who interpret and make His designs known to the world. Thus, it has been since the time of the Prophets and Patriarchs, passing through our Lord Jesus Christ, his Disciples and Apostles, up to the present day, thus giving substance to what is written in the book of the great preacher where one can read: “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” I was citing Ecclesiastes 1:9. Beloved members of the Body of the 24 Elders, Esteemed members of the Episcopate, Your Most Reverend Auxiliary Bishops, Distinguished members of the Women’s Central Council, Distinguished members of the Youth and Children’s Central Council, Illustrious Guests, Daughters and sons of God! I made this brief foray so that the spiritual phenomena that surround us and that we live in today can be easily understood. God is indeed the same God as always. He is the one who took the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt through Moses, He is the same who spoke to the Prophets, He is the one who protected Daniel in the lions’ den, and the same who spoke to Abraham, He is the one who gave His only Son to save humanity and He is the same who speaks with us today. In an analogy to the biblical world and making a parallel to the mission of the Prophet Moses, we affirm with propriety and conviction that, just as Aaron had Moses for God and Moses had Aaron for a mouth, so it is today that Simão Toco has Afonso Nunes for a mouth and the latter has Simão Gonçalves Toco for God who transmits to him what comes from God, and it is through him that until today he has received instructions from God the Creator of Heaven and Earth. This may seem like madness, but it is a pure reality. If we admit and believe that the God who spoke with Moses in the burning bush is the same God of our days, and He IS immutable, just as He spoke in Aaron, through Moses, using Aaron’s mouth to speak to the people, we must admit the event that I am describing to you, Exodus 4:15-16. Today, I spoke a little about the relationship between Bishop Afonso Nunes and Master Simão Gonçalves Toco. Next time, it is important that I speak much more about the matter, although I recognize its complexity in human and perhaps scientific vision, but which, however, encourages me with the certainty that it will be good for those who believe in the immutability of God and His Saints. Beloved members of the Body of the 24 Elders, Esteemed members of the Episcopate, Your Most Reverend Auxiliary Bishops, Distinguished members of the Women’s Central Council, Distinguished members of the Youth and Children’s Central Council, Illustrious Guests, Daughters and sons of God! Achievements and Administrative Advancements As for the year that has ended, as I said before, it was very fruitful for us, although Satan did not stop trying to create constant disturbances. But our God always knew how to guarantee His Church resounding victories. We successfully held the III Congress, which laid the foundations for the development of the Church in the five years 0010/0015; we trained 200 Pastors from various Parishes in Angola and abroad; we created favorable spiritual and moral conditions so that the Leadership emerging from the III Congress could fit into the new work philosophy. We managed to rescue and grant the Church and its Founding Leader the respect and dignity that had long been lost. For the first time in the
CIRCULAR PASTORAL LETTER
CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE WORLD THE TOCOISTS Remembered on July 25, 1949, By His Holiness Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco SPIRITUAL LEADER TO THE CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE WORLD, THE TOCOISTAS. SUBJECT: CIRCULAR PASTORAL LETTER No. 002/LE/0025. Greetings in the name of the One who anointed, consecrated, and sent me for His mission in search of the lost sheep, because of the fresh grass and the enjoyment of this world. Matthew 15:24. Most Reverend Auxiliary Bishops; Honorable members of the body of the twenty-four Elders; Esteemed members of the Episcopate; Distinguished leaders of the Central Coordination of Men’s Ministry; Beloved Mothers of Women’s Ministry; Valiant youth of the Pastoral Youth Ministry; Esteemed representatives of our Church in the Tocoista universe and all pastoral Directorates! I come through this, to share with the Church and all the faithful, within the framework of the celebrations of the 51st Anniversary of the Pastor’s Day, some situations that have afflicted and still afflict the Pastoral ministry, and at the same time, take the opportunity to pass on teaching and clarification to everyone about the importance of the Pastor’s Day and the figure of the Pastor in the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the World, “The TOCOISTAS.” The Divine Mandate of the Pastor The existence of pastors for the care of the sheep was a determination of our Creator Himself, being Himself the PASTOR par excellence. We hear the Psalmist say: “The LORD is my shepherd: I shall not want.” Psalms 23:1. It is He who promised to send pastors according to His own heart, to feed His sheep with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15. The Bible is clear: the Pastor is not a human intuition, nor an earthly initiative, but rather an office, a work ordained by God. Let us quickly understand the context of Jeremiah’s prophecy. As we know, the chosen people faced several hardships during the reign of many kings of Israel. Idolatry, the decline of spirituality, the increase in injustice, and unprecedented immorality were the dominant picture when Jeremiah was called. Jeremiah was called by God to call the chosen people to repentance, to see if they could escape His wrath. He acted in the 7th century B.C., during the reign of the last kings of Judah. It was a tumultuous time in the history of Israel, marked by apostasy, idolatry, and moral and spiritual corruption among the chosen people. In this chapter, Jeremiah presents a promise from God to raise spiritual leaders who would care for His people according to His heart. These Pastors, according to God’s announcement through Jeremiah, would be different from the corrupt and selfish leaders who had failed to lead God’s people with integrity and fidelity. God promised pastors who would feed His people with spiritual knowledge, guiding them on the path of truth and righteousness. Dearest ones! The Pastor received the mission to care for and protect the flock from false teachings, from attacks against the established and approved doctrine, and to feed them, according to God’s purpose, leading them to pure and refreshing waters, and moreover, to defend them against the beasts of the field. This is the reason why the Psalmist brings the rod and the staff in Psalm 23:4. Let’s continue, beloved! The Role of the Pastor The figure of the Pastor must command respect, who transmits peace and security to the sheep, one who is concerned with the spiritual health of his sheep, but who is also concerned with the social life of his flock. As we celebrate another Pastors’ Day, it is important to talk a little about this figure called the Pastor, to better understand, even briefly, what this function or position represents. In our Church, we have the habit of the pastor feeling carnal and the vate (prophet/seer) as the only spiritual entity that commands and directs the Pastor! This form of guidance is wrong, failed, and outside of God’s guidance, which chose Pastors for His flock. The Pastor is a spiritual Guide, someone equipped with spiritual discernment, which is why he was chosen and anointed with the eye and with the laying on of the hands of the Presbyters. 1 Timothy 4:14. The Pastor must be adept at reading, at studying the word of God, at praying, at interceding, at giving thanks, at teaching, at defending the doctrine and the music of the Church. The Pastor must have a minimum knowledge of how to manage people, manage assets, and manage and multiply the Church’s finances. We heard the context in which the prophet Jeremiah acted, and what the reason was, and who had commissioned him! Handing over the Church to multiple agents to impose an order that can only come from the Pastor is to kill the Church of Christ and manifest the carnality on the part of those who were called to the Pastoral position. No organization should move forward under the command of several people or directorates. The Command of the Church is one and unique, inseparable, and unshared. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one Lord, one faith, one baptism. And one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-5. Here, the problem also lies in the choice the church makes for those who will tomorrow begin to exercise this pastoral office. Not understanding the term: Pastor according to God’s heart has caused tragedy to the church in this journey. The term found in Jeremiah 3:15 implies that the person has divinely ordained and directed leadership from God. These people called pastors are those who possess a heart aligned with love, compassion, and integrity. I spoke a lot about the Pastor in this pastoral letter because there is a great lack of understanding about the position of “Pastor.” Our Church suffers greatly from this lack of knowledge; where there is a Pastor, there cannot exist another
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
Tocoista Church saddened by the loss of Pope Francis
The Tocoista Church in Washington, D.C., expresses profound sorrow at the passing of Pope Francis, a leader whose commitment to faith and compassion has left an indelible mark on the world. We extend our deepest condolences to the Catholic community and all who were inspired by his message of love and unity. Let us come together in prayer during this time of mourning, honoring his legacy and the values he championed. May his soul rest in peace. For One United and Indivisible Church: ORDER, STRENGTH, AND FAITH COLJCWⒸ0025, YEAR OF CONSOLIDATION OF THE GIFTS RECEIVED AND IN THE STORM GOD WILL PROVIDE – MILLENNIUM OF CHRIST.