On 31st August 2025, Facebook asked me, “WHAT IS ON YOUR MIND?” I posted this: "Mmmmm, even heaven knows that AIC is the best corrupt church in the world. Happy Sunday to Muslims.” This post attracted backlash from some members of AIC-SS and AIC-U. Some members called me directly, while others responded openly. Those who called felt clarified. Those who did not are still offended. I owe no one an apology to any member of AIC-SS or AIC-U for misinterpreting my text.
Why don’t I apologise? I do not owe an apology because AIC is different from AIC-SS and AIC-U. As a member of AIC-SS, which is fully written as Africa Inland Church - South Sudan, I have never known of any church in South Sudan abbreviated as AIC except when discussing it contextually. The AIC I posted about on that date is fully written as AFRICA INDEPENDENCE CHURCHES or AFRICA INITIATED CHURCHES (you can verify it by googling).
“AIC, defined by AI—African Independent Churches (AICs) or African-Initiated Churches (AICs)—are diverse Christian denominations established in Africa by Africans rather than foreign missionaries, emerging as a protest against colonial cultural practices and for greater African control over religious and secular life. Key characteristics include spiritual healing, the incorporation of traditional beliefs within a biblical framework, lively and emotional worship, and providing social support within urban settings.” Notwithstanding the above, AIC can also mean Actual Individual Consumption, or Akaike Information Criterion. Please tell me how you have focused my text on your interests.
With that in mind, I categorically reject any intimidation against my freedom of expression when a provocative question is raised. It is important to note that there are two lines of reasoning—inductive and deductive. The best we can agree on is the deductive conclusion, which follows logically from the major premise, minor premise, and conclusion. In simple terms, from general to specific, not the opposite.
Regarding our discussion on that date, that is a fact. My responses were based on the contextual questions raised, although my post never specifically pointed to AIC-SS or AIC-U. As I stated earlier, those who engaged directly with me had their questions adequately addressed, while others who did not are still seeking. The message is clear: I owe no apology to anyone from AIC-SS or AIC-U, of which I am a member.
Anything beyond this argument is a fabrication by those who see me as a threat to their leadership. They are aware that their time in offices is running out and that God has raised a conservative leader (a prioritiser of stability, order, and continuity) to return and take people to the path of truth.
On the issue related to my advocacy, everyone should understand that I have a responsibility to account. Any advocacy is a personal responsibility; I do it because I am convinced by the biblical truth in Psalm 82:2-4, “defend the voiceless.” I have never incited anyone. I speak to condemn the barbaric acts of the authority or individuals; it is our responsibility to point out the injustices, the killings, the land grabbing, and the corruption that the authority of the day commits.
To all my people, death is a fact. Whether you seek it or not, we are meant to die. Should we die as criminals for truth or for crimes? I would rather choose to die as a criminal for truth than for crimes. Yes, even HIV can be fatal; what about the risk of an accident? If I have attacked anyone’s character, I apologise; however, if our ideas differ and you feel offended, I ask that you please leave me alone.
Abunerry, Ayella John Bosco
Writer, Critic, and Teacher
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