Conferences extend covenant agreement

Translate Page

With his country in the midst of political and economic turmoil, Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa, episcopal leader of the Zimbabwe Area, said that the role of United Methodists in Zimbabwe is to continue to encourage a spirit of peace.

"We need to develop and equip spiritual leaders to promote peace," Nhiwatiwa said. "But we cannot do that alone. We need resources from our brothers and sisters around the world."

For 11 years, the Baltimore-Washington Annual (regional) Conference has been a resource on which Nhiwatiwa can depend. On April 30, during the 2008 General Conference, the two annual conferences signed a new covenant to extend their relationship through 2012.  

Bishop John R. Schol signs the covenant with the Zimbabwe Area represented by Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa (left).

The covenant states the two conferences will focus on issues such as theological training, community and economic development, young adult ministries, preaching, biblical studies and leadership in the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area.

"This is an important relationship that strengthens both conferences," said Washington, D.C., Area Bishop John R. Schol. "We value our relationship with the Zimbabwe Conference. This covenant illustrates our commitment to helping our brothers and sisters to grow in Christ in a very challenging part of the world."

The two leaders signed the new covenant on a table that was made from trees salvaged from Gulfside Assembly, in Waveland, Miss. a United Methodist retreat center that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Delegate members from both conferences were present for the signing.

Schol said the new covenant would extend the work and relationship-building that has occurred since 1997. In 2007, the Baltimore-Washington Conference sent a 13-member team of clergy and laity to Zimbabwe to teach church leadership and community development strategies and skills to about 300 pastors. The team also distributed more than 7,000 insecticide-treated bed nets, as part of the Nothing But Nets anti-malaria campaign.

"This covenant between us and the Baltimore-Washington Conference is a healthy one, because it is something that will really help our churches to grow and support spiritual leaders," Nhiwatiwa said. "I value our relationship with them, and I thank God for their commitment."

*Lane is communications director for the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

News media contact: Tim Tanton or Kathy Noble, e-mail: [email protected].

Phone calls can be made to the General Conference Newsroom in Fort Worth, Texas, at (817) 698-4405 until May 3. Afterward, call United Methodist News Service in Nashville, Tenn., at (615) 742-5470.

Related Articles

General Conference headlines

Resources

General Conference 2008

General Board of Pension and Health Benefits

Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

UMNEWS-SUBSCRIPTION
Central Conferences
Bishop Ruby-Nell M. Estrella of the Manila Area speaks during the Philippines Central Conference’s Board of Laity forum Sept. 2 at Knox United Methodist Church in Manila. Estrella, who spoke on behalf of the incumbent bishops, expressed their commitment to preserving the unity of the church. Photo by the Rev. Edgardo L. Quinsayas.

Filipino lay leaders call for autonomy

The Board of the Laity in the Philippines held a forum to seek clarity on compounding church issues and called for autonomy, but the three newly elected bishops in the country emphasized their commitment to preserving the unity of the church.
Bishops
Children from the Congo lead the recession of bishops from the Memorial du Centenaire Cathedral in Lubumbashi, Congo, following the opening worship service for the Africa Colleges of Bishops retreat that took place Sept. 2-7. Over 3,000 people attended the service where Council of Bishops president Thomas J Bickerton preached about the power of love in troubling times. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

African bishops tackle regionalization

Conversations at a recent gathering of episcopal leaders in Africa focused on regionalization, possible new episcopal areas and the definition of Christian marriage.
Theology and Education
Members of the Mutare District’s women’s organization celebrate the group’s unwavering commitment to education during their district conference at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Representatives from urban and rural circuits highlighted their accomplishments in establishing scholarship programs and providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children. Photo by Priscilla Muzerengwa, UM News.

Empowering marginalized children through education

Zimbabwe women’s group aims to transform lives, communities through scholarship program.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2023 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved