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African bishops issue renewed call against poverty

>Sep. 15, 2008

NOTE: Photographs are available at http://umns.umc.org.

>A UMNS Report By Linda Green*

Describing poverty as a "scourge to human dignity" that "robs people of
hope," United Methodist bishops in Africa have issued a church-wide call
for renewed ministry to bring hope and greater prosperity to poor people
on their continent.

Meeting for their second time, the 13 bishops that make up the church's
African College of Bishops outlined new actions to combat poverty in a
Sept. 11 letter sent from the campus of United Methodist-related Africa
University in Mutare, Zimbabwe.

The bishops expressed "righteous indignation at the current plight of
our continent" and resolved to work with professional, community and
nongovernmental organizations to alleviate poverty in Africa. They view
Africa University as a vital resource toward that goal.

"Poverty robs people of hope, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a call
to hope, salvation and abundant life," they wrote. "In Africa, we see
poverty manifesting itself in environmental degradation, disease, hunger
and malnutrition, inequitable access to education and even the exposure
of some of the most vulnerable among us-the girl child, for example-to
sexual and economic exploitation."

While appreciative of the Holy Spirit for bringing peace and stability
to areas of conflict in Africa, they expressed concern for those
displaced and still suffering as a result of the violence. They called
upon churches in Africa and across the world to "continue to advocate
for tolerance and understanding of differing views, cultures, ethnic and
religious affiliations as well as for the equitable sharing and use of
God's gifts for the common good."

The bishops' call was consistent with an emphasis by The United
Methodist Church to eliminate poverty and diseases of poverty in the
world.

Last April in Fort Worth, Texas, the 2008 General Conference approved
four focus areas of ministry for the denomination for the foreseeable
future. Two of those are to engage in ministries with the poor and to
stamp out diseases of poverty by improving global health.

Since they began meeting as a college of bishops two years ago, the
African bishops have collectively focused on poverty and its
manifestations. During their most recent meeting Sept. 8-12, they shared
individual progress and action plans being implemented in their
respective conferences.

"It is our belief that Africa has all that it needs to build a future
with peace, greater prosperity and hope," they wrote in their letter.

The African bishops' letter also addressed  climate change, youth
migration and corruption, resolving to:

*	Engage the membership of The United Methodist Church in Africa
and the wider community, including youth, in practical efforts to renew
God's creation and in dialogue on the use and protection of non-renewal
resources;

*	Work to instill a love for one's country and continent among
African youth and young people and continue to educate, encourage and
provide them opportunities to become more involved in
community-building, leadership and development while ensuring an
environment in which their gifts and energies can be fully used;

*	Begin a process of self-examination, engaging clergy and laity
to look at church structures and practices, establish definitions of
what constitutes corruption and work to eliminate corrupt practices at
all levels.

*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in
Nashville, Tenn.  Andra Stevens, director of Africa University's Office
of Public Information, contributed to this report.

News media contact: Linda Green, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or
newsdesk@umcom.org.

>********************

United Methodist News Service Photos and stories also available at: http://umns.umc.org

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