This translation is not completely accurate as it was automatically generated by a computer.
Powered by
A UMNS Report
By Grace Nakajje*
7:00 A.M. EST May 10, 2011
Plans are under way for the first African United Methodist Clergywomen’s
Consultation in 2012. Clockwise from bottom left are: Bishop Joaquina
Filipe Nhanala of Mozambique and the Revs. Beauty Maenzainise, Kabamba
Kiboko
and HiRho Park. UMNS web-only photos by Grace Nakajje.
In traditional African settings, women were regarded as being behind
the doors – voiceless, with no defined rights in economic, social,
political or religious affairs.
However, efforts to lift up women have become visible. Plans are
being made to host an African United Methodist Clergywomen’s
Consultation Feb. 1-4, 2012, under the theme “Clergywomen Moving from
Isolation to Collaboration.”
Those leading the planning efforts include Mozambique Area Bishop
Joaquina Nhanala, the first woman to be elected a United Methodist
bishop in Africa; the Rev. Kabamba Kiboko, pastor of Bethlehem United
Methodist Church and mission interpreter for the Southern Congo Area;
the Rev. Beauty Maenzainise, dean of the faculty of theology at Africa
University in Zimbabwe; and the Rev. HiRho Park, director of continuing
education, United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Previous meetings of United Methodist clergywomen did not have enough
time on the agenda to discuss issues directly related to Africa, the
women said, adding having such a consultation in Africa will strengthen
the network of clergywomen on the continent.
The major objective is to provide a forum for clergywomen to share
their stories and open avenues for leadership development. The gathering
will allow participants to name the challenges faced by African
clergywomen and reflect on those challenges from a theological and
biblical perspective.
Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala of Mozambique will be
honored with a reception during the first African United
Methodist Clergywomen’s Consultation in 2012.
“We expect clergywomen from every episcopal area on the African
continent to attend this first-ever African United Methodist Clergywomen
Consultation,” said Kiboko. “We expect 300 to 500 people, which will
include our guests from around the world.”
Park said the consultation is part of a plan by the Board of Higher
Education and Ministry. During the 2008-12 quadrennium, the agency is
sponsoring clergywomen consultations in both the United States and the
denomination’s central conferences outside the United States. A
consultation for the Philippines is planned for Oct. 5-7.
Among the activities at the Africa consultation will be a reception
in honor of Nhanala and recognition of Maenzanise’s work at Africa
University.
*Nakajje is a United Methodist communicator with the East Africa Annual (regional) Conference.
News media contact: Linda Bloom, New York, (646) 369-3759 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
Glad you liked it. Would you like to share?
Add New Comment
Showing 0 comments