wfn.org | `United With Uganda' to assist ministry in East Africa

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

June 24, 1999 News media contact: Linda Bloom*(212) 870-3803*New York
10-31-71B{349}

By United Methodist News Service

A group of 25 U.S. United Methodists calling itself "United with Uganda" is
working to assist the denomination's efforts in that African country.

The group met in June 18-19 in Chicago with United Methodist Bishop Forrest
Stith, who has helped oversee the East Africa Annual Conference, of which
Uganda is a part, and the Rev. Daniel Wandabula, a Ugandan district
superintendent.

Group members have supported ministry in Uganda for the past decade. They
represent the states of New York, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania,
Georgia, Indiana and Illinois.

The group confirmed that the clergy membership of Solomon Muwanga, a former
Ugandan church leader, was terminated by the East Africa Annual Conference
in 1998 because of financial improprieties and his refusal to serve under
the authority of his bishop and the denomination's Book of Discipline.
Despite the termination, Muwanga apparently has continued to try to raise
funds among United Methodists in the United States.

United with Uganda affirmed the East Africa Conference's priorities for
Uganda, which include offering leadership development, finding financial
support for church workers, promoting evangelism and discipleship, and
adding buildings for worship, school and medical care.

United with Uganda pledges to work together across annual conference lines
to "further awareness of the authentic United Methodist Church in Uganda"
and to foster joint mission efforts. The group plans to meet again in
January in Atlanta.

More information about the work of the United Methodist Church in Uganda is
available by contacting Mark Rader at (507) 937-3176 or by e-mail at
msrader@clear.lakes.com or David Streets at (814) 899-3302 or by e-mail at
estreets@aol.com.
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United Methodist News Service
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