wfn.org | NCCs Oscar Bolioli to Head Methodist Church of Uruguay

["Nat'l Council of Churches" <nccc_usa@ncccusa.org>]

National Council of Churches
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NCC7/26/02 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Council of Churches' Oscar Bolioli to Head Methodist Church of
Uruguay

July 26, 2002, Montevideo, Uruguay -- The Evangelical Methodist Church of
Uruguay has chosen the Rev. Oscar Bolioli of the National Council of
Churches staff in New York City as its new President.  Bolioli, a native of
Uruguay, currently serves as NCC's Associate General Secretary for
International Relations.  He will phase in his new responsibilities over the
next six months to allow him to complete several NCC projects in Central
America and Asia.

This is Bolioli's second time to serve the Uruguayan church as its
President, a role equivalent to bishop in other denominational structures.
He first held the post in 1974-79 during the reign of the military
government, and led the church to adopt a clear position in defense of
political prisoners and human rights.

"We celebrate this affirmation of Oscar Bolioli's ministry," said NCC
General Secretary Bob Edgar, "and we congratulate the Methodists of Uruguay
for recognizing his great skills and experience.  He will prove to be a wise
and effective leader of this historic Christian communion as it renews
itself through expanded service to the people of Uruguay and beyond."

Bolioi served for 18 years as director of the Latin America and Caribbean
Department of the NCC and its humanitarian agency, Church World Service,
before assuming his current role as Associate General Secretary.  He also
was Director of the Youth Department of the World Council of Churches in
Geneva.

The Evangelical Methodist Church of Uruguay is celebrating its 125th
anniversary this year.  It is one of the oldest Protestant movements in
Latin America, and played an instrumental role in the development of
Methodist work in neighboring Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia.

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