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United Methodist Africa Forum Celebrates the Election of Two Bishops in Africa
Priscilla Muzerengwa Priscilla Muzerengwa

United Methodist Africa Forum Celebrates the Election of Two Bishops in Africa

The United Methodist Africa Forum celebrates the election of Bishops Ande Emmanuel and Bishop James Boye-Caulker in West Africa. These leaders reaffirm the commitment to unity and growth within The United Methodist Church, setting a strong example for others. UMAF condemns external attempts to destabilize the church and urges African delegates to continue electing leaders who uphold the mission of a united, contextual, and thriving UMC in Africa.

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UMC bishops in Africa issue statement on state of the Church
Priscilla Muzerengwa Priscilla Muzerengwa

UMC bishops in Africa issue statement on state of the Church

UMC bishops in Africa reaffirmed their support for the Church’s regionalization, allowing decisions to better fit African ministry needs. Meeting at Africa University in Zimbabwe, they urged unity within the UMC, condemned outside interference, and stressed the importance of upcoming episcopal elections for strong leadership.

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West Africa UMAF Denounce Attacks on UMC Peace Mission in Nigeria
Priscilla Muzerengwa Priscilla Muzerengwa

West Africa UMAF Denounce Attacks on UMC Peace Mission in Nigeria

The United Methodist Africa Forum (UMAF), through its West Africa Central Conference Desk, strongly condemns the recent wave of disinformation and harassment directed at United Methodist Bishops in Nigeria. United Methodists stand united in rejecting any attempt to disrupt the church’s mission.

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United Methodist Africa Forum Public Statement
Priscilla Muzerengwa Priscilla Muzerengwa

United Methodist Africa Forum Public Statement

UMAF declares its commitment to the future of the United Methodist Church in Africa. In as much as the outcome of the General Conference may be different from desired options, UMAF acknowledge the need to own these realities in our continued engagement to reforming the church from within to reflect the future we desire.

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UMAF Statement after 2024 General Conference
Priscilla Muzerengwa Priscilla Muzerengwa

UMAF Statement after 2024 General Conference

The United Methodist Africa Forum (UMAF) shares insights on their legislative efforts and outcomes during the 2024 General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Church in Africa gets 2 more bishops, new map
Priscilla Muzerengwa Priscilla Muzerengwa

Church in Africa gets 2 more bishops, new map

General Conference approved a plan to add two more bishops to where the church is growing. But a number of delegates expressed frustration that the number wasn’t five.

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Open Letter on General Conference preparations
Priscilla Muzerengwa Priscilla Muzerengwa

Open Letter on General Conference preparations

The United Methodist Africa Forum shares some of the concerns being expressed by delegates from Africa and other concerned United Methodists as to the organization of the General Conference and the impact this has in the life of the church and possible responses to the outcome of the said conference

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Embracing Regionalization Over Disaffiliation: Safeguarding the Legacy of The United Methodist Church in Africa
Priscilla Muzerengwa Priscilla Muzerengwa

Embracing Regionalization Over Disaffiliation: Safeguarding the Legacy of The United Methodist Church in Africa

The proposal of disaffiliation has surfaced, threatening to disintegrate the UMC in Africa and erase the rich history and heritage that our forefathers have diligently preserved over generations. However, amidst this uncertainty, there exists a viable alternative – regionalization – that promises to uphold the unity and continuity of the church while honoring its legacy.

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Regionalization a key question for Africans
Priscilla Muzerengwa Priscilla Muzerengwa

Regionalization a key question for Africans

The proposed regionalization legislation coming to General Conference on April 23-May 3 is generating a lot of discussion among African United Methodists. Their votes could be key to whether regionalization can pass.

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United Methodists in Africa can do their own thinking
Priscilla Muzerengwa Priscilla Muzerengwa

United Methodists in Africa can do their own thinking

Traditionalist voices have been calling for African United Methodists to oppose regionalization proposals and to support extending disaffiliation opportunities to their continent. But the Rev. Gabriel Banga Mususwa writes that African United Methodists can decide for themselves on these issues.

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African delegates commit to unity, regionalization
Priscilla Muzerengwa Priscilla Muzerengwa

African delegates commit to unity, regionalization

Nearly 200 African delegates to the upcoming General Conference say they are committed to staying in The United Methodist Church and expressed their support for regionalization. The group gathered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for an orientation organized by the advocacy group United Methodist Africa Forum to prepare for the upcoming legislative assembly.

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Press Release
Priscilla Muzerengwa Priscilla Muzerengwa

Press Release

In a historic assembly held from January 4-7, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 190 African delegates to the General Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) concluded their United Methodist Africa Forum (UMAF) meeting. During this pivotal gathering, delegates stood united against disaffiliation, solidifying their commitment to the Church's unity, and passionately embraced regionalization as a visionary pathway for the future of the Church in Africa.

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Regionalization Series, Part 5: The path to greater regionalization in the future
Priscilla Muzerengwa Priscilla Muzerengwa

Regionalization Series, Part 5: The path to greater regionalization in the future

The regionalization legislation headed to General Conference later this year would begin a process of greater adaptability of the Book of Discipline to fit the varying needs and opportunities of United Methodists worldwide. But even if all of the legislation brought to support this work is passed by the required margins, the effort is just the beginning, writes the Rev. Taylor W. Burton Edwards.

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Regionalization Series, Part 4: What does the proposed regionalization plan do -- and not do?
Priscilla Muzerengwa Priscilla Muzerengwa

Regionalization Series, Part 4: What does the proposed regionalization plan do -- and not do?

The regionalization legislation headed to General Conference takes several steps toward a goal of building connectional unity while making room for customization in each region of the world. In Part 4 of a new series on regionalization, the Rev. Taylor W. Burton Edwards answers questions related to the legislation, including what could be customized by regional conferences and what is not included in the proposal.

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Regionalization Series, Part 2: Regionalization is Customization
Priscilla Muzerengwa Priscilla Muzerengwa

Regionalization Series, Part 2: Regionalization is Customization

At its heart, regionalization in The United Methodist Church means connectionalism customized to enhance local effectiveness. In a new series, Ask The UMC explores regionalization, including how the current customization has enabled variances across the worldwide church. The Rev. Taylor W. Burton Edwards reports.

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