African Leaders Organizing so Regionalization can Really Happen

There is an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen the foundations for the passage of the Christmas Covenant which lets the UMC in the US join with other regions in being able to make needed changes for its own region. The United Methodist Africa Forum (UMAF) is organizing an inaugural gathering this April 21-23, 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa. UMAF is gathering United Methodists from across Africa dedicated to promoting unity and the future of the UMC in Africa. By doing so, UMAF seeks to further the mission and ministry of the UMC within the African context, while engaging with other United Methodists from across the connection in their unique contexts. UMAF values and respects diversity and believes that restructuring through regionalization is the best way forward for the UMC. 

To further its belief in regionalization, the Forum has invited the entire Christmas Covenant Leadership Team to attend the gathering and share information. This invitation supported by United Methodist leaders in Africa is a unique opportunity for the Christmas Covenant Leadership Team to directly engage with United Methodist leaders in the African continent to pass the Christmas Covenant at the next General Conference and ratify its constitutional amendments in African annual conferences. This will also be an opportunity for the Christmas Covenant Leadership Team to meet face-to-face for the first time on April 24th. This is an unprecedented opportunity for audacious change in our denomination led by our central conferences.

Join us to pray for the success of the UMAF gathering and the conversations on regionalization to be led by the Christmas Covenant Leadership Team. WMJM is also partnering with the Christmas Covenant Leadership Team to raise $30,000 to help cover the travel expenses of 10 team members to Africa from the Philippines, North America, and Europe. As of Feb. 23, 2023, more than $14,000 in gifts, grants, and pledges toward these travel expenses have been secured. This is almost ½ of what’s needed. Any additional money raised beyond what’s needed by the Christmas Covenant Team will be used to help with the overall expenses of the UMAF gathering in Johannesburg. We are inviting you to make a meaningful gift to meet this need. Gifts may be made online or by mailing a check. To do either, go to https://wmjm.org/supportcc

We also request you to share this appeal widely. Ask your local churches and other organizations to contribute. We hope to meet our fundraising goals soonest so we can provide for the travel needs of the Christmas Covenant Leadership Team members attending the historic UMAF event. We at WMJM are grateful for your generous support and prayers.