What We Believe: Translating the Catechism in Togo

What do you believe? Your answer to this question tells someone a lot about you. It forms and informs who you are - your character, principles and motivations.

As believers, it is important that we understand and can explain our faith - so that we may “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). In Togo, the Methodist Church (Eglise Méthodiste du Togo, or “EMT”) is helping thousands - children included - to put words to their faith by translating the Methodist Catechism from English into French, enabling people to live boldly for God, knowing who they are and what they believe.

Methodism first arrived in Togo in 1843, the first Christian church to be established in the country. Since gaining autonomy in 2000, EMT has grown to 67 pastors, more than 300 lay preachers and 750 Sunday School teachers, serving a community of over 35,000 people. As Methodists, EMT members are committed both to proclaiming the gospel, and to tackling illness, poverty, racism, and social injustice.

Making the Catechism widely available in French is one practical way the church is equipping people to live out those aims. Adapted from the Methodist Church in Britain’s booklet “What we Believe: A Catechism for the use of the people called Methodists”, the new translation gives all Methodists in Togo access to a foundational tool for their Christian faith. It serves as a structured guide to understanding their Wesleyan identity, and helps them to live out their faith. Written for children, young people and adults, it makes Methodist teaching clear for every age - helping more people understand God’s Word and commit themselves to the Christian life.

Rev Lucie Gaizer-Mensah, one the pastors who received training on the booklet, said: “For us pastors, it is a valuable tool because it ensures consistency and quality in Christian formation.”

As well as teaching material for training children, young people and new converts, this booklet includes a chapter on creation. From an early age, children will learn the importance of caring for the environment, instilling in them the responsibility we have as Christians to steward all of God’s creation.

The translation from English into French was completed by Rev. Gordon Lawson-Kpavuvu, President of EMT. It was then reviewed by a team of eight pastors, theologians and Sunday School monitors to ensure clarity and faithfulness before printing.

In total, 2,500 booklets were printed and distributed to pastors, lay preachers, evangelists, catechists, leaders of associations and movements, and Sunday School teachers across the six districts of EMT. 67 pastors are being trained on how to teach the Catechism, alongside 750 Sunday School teachers - meaning local churches can teach the same core beliefs from the pulpit to the Sunday School room.  Teachers in Togo have testified that the booklet is already strengthening the discipleship of children.

The value of a resource like this is clear – both in Ireland, and Togo. Helping believers, especially younger believes, to understand their Methodist identity is an important step in encouraging them to live out their faith in practice. In Ireland, IMYC have a similar aim with their Wholehearted materials, which prepare young people for membership in MCI.

Through your support for World Mission Partnership (WMP), you’ve played an important part in this work. Your giving to WMP allowed us to provide a grant of £3,250, which was used to print Catechism booklets, and to deliver training for pastors, lay preachers, and Sunday School teachers. Working together with our world church family, we have helped Methodists in Togo to know what they believe and live it out with confidence. We can only do this because of your support – so thank you to everyone who continues to support WMP with your giving, and your prayers!

This article was first published in the July/August 2026 edition of The Methodist Newsletter. Sign up here to subscribe and receive future editions of The Methodist Newsletter.