WMJM Report on UM Africa Forum

Guests from Western Methodist Justice Movement and other groups share their reflections on attending the United Methodist Africa Forum (UMAF) meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa in April of 2023.

The emergence of UMAF opens significant new possibilities for the United Methodist Church. UMAF wants to remain connected to work worldwide for mission, ministry, and social justice. But it also understands that other regions – including the US – need to be able to make changes regardless of what stand the rest of the UMC – including Africa  – may have on some challenging issues.

The report back breaks into three parts:

• A quick 9½ minute overview of what happened during the UMAF meeting. It includes a slide set to help reinforce and clarify key points.

• Brief personal sharing by a panel of five people who were present: Lloyd Nyarota (newly elected coordinator for UMAF), Izzy Alvaran, Jan Nelson, Jason Takagi, and Richard Bentley. This starts around minute 9:45.

• Thought-provoking Q and A. The panel – especially Lloyd Nyarota – answers questions from attendees. Many commented that the Q and A was the highlight of the report back. The Q and A starts around minute 37.