February 2022 - FFL

First Friday Letter The World Methodist Council

February 2022

Greetings from the WMC Headquarters Office Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8 ESV Greetings and peace to you, Thank you for the many ways you are showing the love of Christ and representing the Methodist family.

We urge you to take time to read the stories in this edition as it focuses on people coming together and being of one spirit. Everywhere we turn, regardless of the country we are reading about, the media is showing the many ways people are divided and how everyone seems to have forgotten to treat their neighbor as they wish to be treated.

This First Friday Letter highlights the work of the Ecumenical Relationships Committee (starting below), African University and the hope it offers, racial justice, the Statements on Tonga, the Ukrainian crisis, and more.

As Methodist founder John Wesley said in the divided England he lived in, “Though we can’t think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may.”

Shalom, Jackie

Ecumenical Relationships Chair Shares Reflections Recently I was reading an observation from a New Zealand colleague on the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (“WPCU”): “even this is not unifying”. His reasoning relates to there being not one, but two sets of dates that are suggested – the northern hemisphere common observance being in January between the Feasts of St Peter and of St Paul; meanwhile for those of us in the southern hemisphere mid-year between Ascension and Pentecost. Maybe this highlights the invitation to celebrate and affirm our diversity in mutual prayer regardless of when we do this.

The WPCU presents a pattern of mutuality for the prayer of our local churches: for our neighbouring churches and faith communities of other traditions. Doing this regularly, maybe every Sunday, helps to shape our consciousness of a church that is broader and deeper than our own congregation or denomination. Afterall, we are offering at least one prayer in unison with other congregations near and far when we simply pray the Lord’s Prayer. Often in services I will introduce this not only as ‘the prayer Jesus taught’, but that we will be praying it in unity with other Christians in a chorus that follows the sun around the globe (Aotearoa is amongst the first to see the sun of each new day).

Rev. Tony Franklin-Ross

World Methodist Council

Continued on Page 9

First Friday Letter page 1

The Dream Lives On I am happy to join with you today because three score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic day we stand, gave the I Have a Dream speech. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope – a dream and vision to further the promise of freedom and economic prosperity to all Americans. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King challenged - that emancipation proclamation was not the ending but only the beginning to freedom.

In his 1963 speech, Dr. King said, “When the architects of our great republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, Black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given its colored people a bad check, a check that has come back marked ‘insufficient funds...’ But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and security of justice. We have also come to his hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now.” Today, in 2022, while we still have far to go, we are not only the recipients of checks to cash. We are the check writers. Not only do we have the opportunity to gain funding and funds from hallowed American institutions like Bank of America, but also these institutions are enabling minority fund managers to write their own checks into our own communities into companies of color - Business owned by people of color that can employ and serve all of us as a community. We are the ones that can empower ourselves to make a difference if we work together.

Much like 1963, 2022 is not an end but a beginning.

Only after we change ourselves and challenge ourselves to reach new heights, will the dream that Dr. King envisioned come true. Dr. King once said if a man doesn’t have a job or an income, he has neither life nor liberty nor the possibility for the pursuit of happiness he merely exits. Our ancestors did not fight this long and hard for us to merely exist - but for us to keep the dream alive.

This article was a Martin Luther King keynote speech recently presented by Ollie Howie, a Harvard University graduate who lives and works in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the son of WMC Investment Committee Chairman Myron Howie.

World Methodist Council

First Friday Letter page 2

WesleyMen and FastPrayGive.org Offer 2022 Lenten Guide Christians worldwide mark the 40 days of Lent as a season of contemplation and preparation leading to Easter’s celebration. This resource, a daily reading of scripture, reflection, and prayer, seeks to build connections between the scriptures and the call upon our lives to assist and empower people in need. A “triptych” (from the Greek, “triptukhon,” that is, “three-fold”) is an art piece in three panels or sections, often hinged together, both literally and thematically.

This season we draw inspiration from the heart of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount: The Lord’s Prayer. This answer to the disciple’s request to be taught how to pray has informed and formed disciples from then until now. From this foundational prayer, we look at three key ideas that form a triptych present in the Lord’s Prayer: provision, pardon, and protection. Each day’s devotion comprises a selection of scripture, a reflection, and prayer. These daily readings span Ash Wednesday through Easter (March 2 - April 17, 2022). Available now at https:// fastpraygive.org/lent Let us move forward into Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday, that somber time of naming our mortality, even as we claim God’s provision, pardon, and protection. Know that each of us is joined worldwide by others traveling this same pathway to Easter!

Story and photo by Rev. Steve Hickle

New Book: Thirty Days with E. Stanley Jones In his introduction to these 30 stories, The Rev. Dr. John E. Harnish writes, “From Jones’ life and work, we can hear a word which is as relevant today as it was 75 years ago. In a day when tensions between races and religions are on the rise globally and the message of the Christian faith seems to be either weak or aligned with a political agenda, the voice of a true World Christian needs to be heard once again.”

“This book is unlike most every devotional book I have ever seen: it both warms the heart and instructs the mind. E. Stanley Jones would like this book, and I think you will too.” said Dr. Stephen Gunter, Director of E. Stanley Jones Professorships and Teaching Evangelist, Foundation for Evangelism.

“John Harnish has done an outstanding work in putting into words the true essence of the remarkable E. Stanley Jones. His way of weaving in Jones’ quotes and prayers bring to life the rich soul and spirit of the man...” explains Betty Shannon Cloyd, former Director of the Upper Room Prayer Center and missionary to the Congo and to the Navajo People This book by Dr. Harnish is available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and other online retailers.

World Methodist Council

First Friday Letter page 3

2022 Peace Award Nominees If you have been planning to nominate someone who exemplifies Courage, Creativity, and Consistency for the World Methodist Peace Award, you must act now.

Applications submitted by July 15 will be considered for this year. Any application received after July 15 will be reviewed later for 2023. Note, all supporting documents must be included.

The nominee should show courage in regard to physical danger or putting personal interest at risk. Creativity should include opening new initiatives and attracting others in working for the cause of peace, Consistency is judged by effort over a period of time and intensity, despite setbacks. Here is the link to read the full criteria: http://worldmethodistcouncil.org/whatwedo/world-methodist-peace-award/ The recipient receives a medallion, citation and US $1000 which is symbolic of the larger recognition achieved in working for peace, justice and reconciliation. The recipient is included in the World Methodist Council Peace award booklet and their photo is hung on the wall of the World Methodist Council Headquarters with other recipients of this prestigious award.

Go to www.worldmethodistcouncil.org and click on the “About the WM Peace Award” tab on the left side of the homepage and complete the online application. Please send all nomination forms to Bishop Ivan Abrahams at info@worldmethodistcouncil.org.

Upcoming Peace Award Presentations Thursday, 3 March for the late Bishop John K. Yambasu, 2020 recipient in Bo, Sierra Leone

Sunday, 13 March to the Rev. Olav Pärnamets, 2021 recipient in Tallinn, Estonia Friday, 18 March to the Rev. Dr. Inderjit Bhogal, 2018 recipient in Sheffield, England Information on the presentations will be presented in the April First Friday Letter.

(Dr. Bhogal’s Peace Award Presentation was delayed because of COVID restrictions on gatherings or foreigners entering the country.)

World Methodist Council

First Friday Letter page 4

Inter-faith encounters for joy and hope I feel so clearly that the heart of inter-faith relationships is solidarity and transformative action.

Together, as people of different faiths, we engage with issues that are relevant to our communities, get to know each other better and develop friendships. But through acting together, what makes us tick spiritually may still remain to be understood and shared.

I already had some experience with scriptural reasoning groups, but not a lot. And now I am part of a very small group. We are just three: a rabbi, a Muslim teacher of Islamic studies for schoolchildren, and me, a Methodist minister. The group might grow after the pandemic. We have met via Zoom and in person.

We took the theme of the next World Methodist Conference ‘On the Move: migration, pilgrimage, guiding lights’ as key for choosing the scripture passages and for our discussions. We found these themes evocative and enriching in terms of our choice of texts. We identified a common sense of God’s calling. We found inspiration in each other’s texts to see life as a great adventure of faith, Studying scripture together After years of as a pilgrimage or journey into the unknown. engaging with solidarity and transformative We found the struggles to identify a purpose in inter-faith relations, I had an experience that life, present in scriptures, a reason to seek God’s moved my inter-religious relationships to a deep- guiding light and to trust in God. er level. I sat with people of different faiths and we studied our different scriptures together. We How scriptural reasoning works The techexplained to one another a passage of scripture nique is simple. A theme can be used to choose and explored the multiple meanings. We repeat- the passages from the different scriptures, or pered the procedure for all the scriptural passages haps they can simply be chosen at random. Someproposed, from the Hebrew scriptures, the New one from the faith the text comes from introducTestament and the Al-Quran. The name of this es the passage to the others. Then if you’re not process is ‘scriptural reasoning’. already a small group, you can break into smaller groups. People are invited to share the words or teaching from the text that spoke to them, called Scriptural their attention, provoked contradictory feelings, reasoning or inspired new perspectives. This is repeated unhas been a til all the texts have been introduced, discussed, way for me to and you have reported back briefly to the wider offer hospi- group. tality and find new ways of talking about In scriptural reasoning, the riches of our different the love of faiths come to the surface in interfaith encounGod as I have ters. The common question it is: “How do you promised I read it?” (Luke 10:26). This provides for a space would through where people can talk about the text, their sit‘A Methodist uation, and about their faith and hopes for the Way of Life’ future. It is impossible to go through this expecommitments. rience without exposing one’s deepest values. In There has this way, old inter-religious friendships are enbeen great joy riched and become more rooted in each other’s in sharing the faith tenets. most treasured passages from In scriptural reasoning I found a way of making our different my commitments to a ‘Methodist Way of Life’ part WMC Inter-religious Relationships scriptures. of my inter-religious interests and efforts. I ofChair Rev. Dr. Reynaldo Leao Neto fer hospitality and receive it. I share my faith and scriptures with others. I learn from other faiths.

Some of my inter-religious friendships are now And I am sure this will be a strong basis to continmore clearly rooted in shared religious values ue to engage with solidarity and transformative and a deeper understanding. It is a brilliant way inter-faith action. of learning about and sharing my faith, and pracStory and Photo provided by connexion magazine tising hospitality.

I am writing during Inter-Faith Week. This story concerns a rabbi, a Muslim teacher and a Methodist minister coming together to study their scriptures. Though it sounds like the beginning of a joke, it is not. It is about discovering a way of going deeper into friendship and sharing faiths.

World Methodist Council

First Friday Letter page 5

Holocaust Memorial Day 2022: Seeking Critical Understanding January 27th marked Holocaust Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for the atrocities of genocides.

In this post, Rabbi Dr Frank Dabba Smith of Leo Baeck College London writes about how the Holocaust can be unfortunately weaponised in today’s world but also how, through critical understanding, we can honour the legacy of Holocaust Memorial Day in our everyday lives.

Story by Rabbi Dr Frank Dabba Smith

Read more from a blog at the London School of Economics’ website: https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/religionglobalsociety/2022/01/holocaust-memorial-day-2022-seeking-critical-understanding-and-overcoming-the-weaponisation-of-a-genocide/

Statement on Ukrainian Situation The World Methodist Council views with deep concern reports of mounting tension on the borders of Ukraine and Russia, including the threat of a buildup of armed forces on both sides. Many political commentators consider the recent events “a new Cold War” and “a threat to global peace.”

It especially remembers Bishop Eduard Khegay of the Eurasia Central Conference of The United Methodist Church and all local and regional church leaders as they minister against a backdrop of an armed standoff.

While the Council is cognizant that Methodists The Council calls on ‘the people called Method- and other Christians are on each side of this ists,” and those who respect human life, rights, potential conflict, it prays that they may all be and dignity to pursue a “just peace” for all in the peacemakers. war threatened region.

The Council recognizes the region’s long and complex history but is concerned only suffering and destruction would result from armed conflict.

The Council is committed to promoting peace, reconciliation, and justice. It believes that intentional diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiations are the only paths to peace. It encourages all parties to de-escalate this dangerous situation.

The Council encourages prayer for the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Photo credit: 45964726 / Ukraine © Woravit Vijitpanya | Dreamstime.com

WMC Prays for Tonga The World Methodist Council, a body representing more than 80 million people called Methodist in 134 countries, pray with the WCC, other people of faith and no-faith, to respond to the needs of the people of Tonga and its surrounding islands as they seek to recover from the devastation and disaster of the tsunami and effects of the eruption of an underwater volcano, the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai. On 15th January 2022, the volcano erupted, spewing forth an ash plume almost 20km high. The eruption was the largest Tonga and the world has faced in 30 years, creating tsunami alerts as far as Australia and New Zealand.

Photo credit: 45606982 © Tamara Ray | Read the full Statement here Dreamstime.com World Methodist Council

First Friday Letter page 6

James Salley on growing tomorrow’s African leaders James Salley, known by some as “Mr. Africa University,” has been with the United Methodist institution in Zimbabwe since it was in the embryonic stage.

In its nearly 30-year history, AU has produced leaders in government, religion and business. Its alumni include United Methodist Bishop Mande Muyombo of Congo; Mercy Kafotokoza, executive director of Wandikweza, which works to improve access to quality health care in rural areas of Malawi; and Lillian Achom, an information technology entrepreneur who mentors young women in Uganda.

“We are growing up the new generation of leaders,” said Salley, who recently added the title of president and chief executive officer of Africa University (Tennessee) Inc. He remains associate vice chancellor for institutional advancement.

Photo 165750082 / Water © Nitsuki | Dreamstime.com Africa University (Tennessee) Inc. is one of three entities used to run AU. AU graduates are making a difference “all over the continent of Africa,” Salley said. “We can point to at least 32 countries on the continent of Africa (where AU graduates are working). Actually, we have AU graduates all over the world.”

present and future of AU. A lifetime United Methodist born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Salley pursued a successful career in broadcasting before shifting his focus to education. He’s also been active in church leadership, serving as a General Conference delegate since 1988 and on the board of United Methodist Global Ministries from 1987 to 1991.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

You were involved with Africa University in its formative stages, when it was no more than an idea. What has that ride been like?

It’s been very rewarding for me to see an institution grow from an empty field with students — 40 originally — with a staff of seven full time along with a number of consultants. There are now more than 10,000 graduates with 3,000 enrolled. The staff is now 360 people. … We’re getting ready to put into the bank enough money in 2022 to build a new female dormitory. By the end of the year, we’ll put another $1.5 million into the capital project and build that with no debt.

To actually help shape and produce good, solid citizens for Africa and the world, that’s been the reward I get. Some of these people, folks said would never make it, but all they needed was just a chance.

You’ve had terrific success getting local churches and annual conferences to support a university thousands of miles away on another continent. How did you manage that?

I truly believe that if it wasn’t a calling from God, we would not be as successful as we are in this work. I remember the late Bishop F. Herbert Skeete, who served on the board of Africa University, convened a meeting when I was first setting up the development office. There were four James Salley leads a service of dedication for the (fundraisers) there from some of the premier South Indiana Hall of Residence at Africa University in institutions of The United Methodist Church. I Mutare, Zimbabwe, during the school’s 10th anniver- won’t say what they were, but we were all in the sary celebration in 2002. File photo by Mike DuBose, meeting. The first thing they told me was, “Don’t UM News. waste your time going to local churches and annual conferences. You’ll never be successful doSalley, 70, met with United Methodist News at ing that work.” Well, that’s the foundation of our the Nashville, Tenn., offices of Africa University work.

Continued on Page 10 (Tennessee) Inc., to speak about the past, World Methodist Council

First Friday Letter page 7

THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR A YOUNG ADULT READER REVIEWED BY KEITH ANTHONY Nicola Yoon, author of “The Sun is also a Star”, leaves the reader in no doubt that she believes in fact and science rather than destiny and dreams. Yoon quotes from the late astrophysicist, Carl Sagan’s book, Pale Blue Dot, “It does no harm to the romance of the sunset to know a little about it.”

In what is related as a whirlwind 24 hour encounter, Natasha Kingsley, her mother, Patricia Kingsley and 9 year old brother, Peter, originally from Jamaica as undocumented immigrants, are due to be deported in the evening. Their father, Samuel Kingsley had unsuccessfully opted to spend his time seeking to audition as an actor and feels aggrieved that the family has gained more than he has. He acts with resentment toward them. Peter, however, is attuned to the reggae sounds of Bob Marley and believes his home country, Jamaica, is irie.

Daniel Jae Ho Bae is the younger son of a Korean-American family who trade in hair and beauty salon commodities. Their mother is an artist, their father, an accountant who works hard to keep the family business afloat. Older brother, Charles Jae Won Bae – AKA Charlie - is a medical student, who has been “required to withdraw” for six months from Harvard Medical School. Charlie hates Daniel because Daniel doesn’t hate himself.

Natasha is angry that her close friend has been caught cheating on her. She is neither religious nor idealistic and accepts that happiness doesn’t just happen. Natasha and Daniel are required to pay attention and be willing – in different ways - to their struggle for happiness. In the same way that chemical elements have a defined half-shelf life, thinks Natasha, love has a “small half-shelf life”.

When it’s gone, it’s like it never was at all.

On Daniel’s 18th birthday he catches the Westbound 7 train “to childhood’s end” and allows the universe to dictate his life. So, on 37th Street he spots a church, tries the door handle but it is locked.

He notices a black girl with an enormous, curly Afro and equally enormous pink headphones. Whatever she is listening to is so inspirational that Daniel decides he wants to connect with her. And as he keeps up with her, without making it look that he is a stalker, Daniel saves her from being run over by a white BMW driven by insurance broker, Donald Christiansen, who had jumped the red light.

Truth be told, Christiansen had lost a daughter in a motor accident but now had jumped the traffic light because he was driving under the influence of alcohol. Donald is not sure what the universe was trying to tell him by taking away his only daughter, but he learnt that “no one can put a price on losing everything because all one’s future histories can be destroyed in a single moment.”

A SELECTIVE TAKE-AWAY I think we’ve all experienced so much over the past two years – unfathomable loss, grief, pain – so relevant where so many are or what people are working through. “Sometimes your whole world shakes so hard it’s difficult to imagine that everyone else isn’t feeling it too.” The trouble with getting one’s hopes too far up is: it’s a long way down. But, in hope and disappointment, listening for the universal call to love changes everything.

Nicola Yoon is the author of The Sun is also a Star which is published by Penguin Random House UK in 2016

Story and photo by Rev. Keith Vermeulen, researcher forVarennes the World Methodist Council Dr Fernand de World Methodist Council

First Friday Letter page 8

Ecumenical Applications Due Following a successful pilot project in the spring of 2021, the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey in Geneva is a place for ecumenical education by the World Council of Churches. It is now accepting applications for a renewed version of the 10-week online course entitled “Together Towards Unity.

Being Church in a Fragmented World” in 2022. The course will run fully online from 14 March - 5 June 2022, with an application deadline of 15 February.

The new online course builds on the long-established Ecumenical Studies courses at Bossey in addressing current changing dynamics and configurations of ecumenism through a new medium. In an international cohort of students, participants will explore the biblical, theological, ethical, societal, interreligious and missiological dimensions of ecumenism.

For further information, check https://www.oikoumene.org/news/applications-open-anew-forbossey-online-course-in-ecumenism

Ecumenical Relationships shares Reflections Balkan theologian Miroslav Volf, in his article A Vision of Embrace (The Ecumenical Review 472), describes gaining a ‘catholic personality’ as being a learning to value one’s own and others’ identities, and relate across differences. He contends that a ‘catholic personality’ is only catholic by virtue of the multiple ‘others’ that become reflected in it. To adopt a catholic personality is, for Volf, part of becoming a Christian: we become in Christ a new creation in which there is space through the Spirit to receive ‘the other’.

continued from Page 1

ologies that create or convey a place of power, oppression and inhospitality. Our own practices might be reminded to invoke a spirituality to confess our separation and barriers to others – particularly when our differences hinder our mission as Christ’s church to enact the liberations offered by the visions of the Kingdom of God into our world today.

Niles also invokes the distinction between ‘dialectical dialogue’ that explores rational ways of understanding, and ‘dialogical dialogue’ that exI find no appeal in working towards a uniformity plores a means of discovery. Though he is speakthat does not accommodate the diversity of cul- ing of interfaith dialogue, it mirrors contemporary tural and geographic contexts, expressions of ecumenical dialogue. Increasingly ecumenical dispirituality and worship, and nuances of theolog- alogues are taking this dialogical approach, such ical reflection and discernment. All this creates as taking on the shape of ‘receptive ecumenism’ a beautiful kaleidoscope of colours, textures and which practices an approach of seeking to lean patterns, ever changing and morphing with each into the Spirit and learn from the diversity of othturn of the world. For my personal spirituality, ec- ers, in order that we learn and grow more into our umenism is about celebrating and offering hos- own identity, in a mutual celebration and for the pitality to such diversity; even when I personally purpose of mission. might feel uncomfortable or challenged as to my own perspectives, understandings and practices. For the ecumenical relationships of the World As it has been said, “My only question is this, ‘Is Methodist Council, I continue to be excited by thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart?’” new and renewed possibilities as we look into our existing, past and future ecumenical dialogues, My Aotearoa-summer reading included a book by and reflect on ‘where next’ - or rather ‘how next’ Damayanthi Niles, Doing theology with humility, – in the gifts and opportunities of being in pilgenerosity, and wonder (Fortress Press, 2020). grimage. In these patterns of pilgrimage, we Using the place and experiences of the Asian con- discover that it is a journey of enrichment and text, he offers a perspective earthed in the pover- growth in learning, as much as a self- awareness ty and plurality that is experienced in Asia. Liber- of the Methodist/Wesleyan family as it is of our ation, for Niles, is “empowering the parts of the co-travellers. plural world that are supressed and admonishing the ones who are suppressing” into order to Story and photo by Rev. Tony Franklin-Ross (Methodist give rise to healthy relationships with each other. Church of New Zealand) is Chair of the WMC standing I am reminded that in our ecumenical dialogue, committee on Ecumenical Relationships we need to attend to the practices and methodWorld Methodist Council

First Friday Letter page 9

James Salley on growing African leaders Now, we have more than 30,000 individuals, local churches and annual conferences in our database. And that’s no accident. It just doesn’t happen. It had to be God’s work.

continued from Page 7

What do you see as the major challenges going forward?

Sadly, some of the things that persons in the U.S., Europe and other places take for granted Is it true that your new title of president and are still rampant (in Africa): malaria, tuberculochief executive officer is more a reflection of sis, food security. There’s also climate change what you’ve already been doing rather than and environmental challenges. Also, providing conferring new responsibilities on you? enough support for persons who are first-generation higher education people. The majority of It’s actually what I’ve been doing since setting up our students are still first generation, first one the development office. … . I am a senior cabinet from the family to go to college or university. So, member of the university. I’m the longest-serv- the challenge is to find persons who are coming person employed at the university now, since petent in teaching these first-generation persons 1992. September of 2022 will be 30 years. I have that we are turning out. an office on the university campus. During a non-pandemic time, I will make a minimum of Another challenge is going to be remaining the six trips a year to the university and sometimes kind of institution that wants to recruit some of seven to eight, depending on whether or not we those people who can pay for their education, have donors or persons from local churches who but always be an institution that will provide aswant to visit. sistance and help for those persons who would not have a ghost of a chance at getting a higher Culturally, is it an issue getting African wom- education otherwise. en to come to college?

Can you tell me about your vision of where AU Yes. Our ratio of male to females this semester is headed?

Photo 103483355 © Splank | Dreamstime.com in Africa University is 58% female. The average ratio of males to female on the traditional col- We want to be a premier, world-class, innovative lege or university is about 30% female. So it’s an university that’s United Methodist-related unintentional effort of the administration and the ashamedly. Africa University is going to live and board of directors to help educate females, be- survive. We will continue to build academically cause they assume responsibility for educating with enrollment and our endowment and move the rest of the family and the rest of the city or to sustainability. You never get finished building village and they help provide education to the a university. children and others.

How does your curriculum reflect your location in Africa?

We did not want to build a duplicate of a European-American university in Africa. … These are programs uniquely designed and implemented for Africans. Our Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance provides degrees in conflict management, resolution, peace and governance — the kind of things that address the hot spots all over the continent. We are also the center for malaria studies in Zimbabwe. … In the area of agriculture, we do research with particular kinds of crops that are resistant and grow well during the drought seasons. So, yes, we look at the problems of the continent and try to find solutions.

Photo 108826566 / Bridge Water © | Dreamstime.com

World Methodist Council

James Salley sits in the driver seat of a tractor as a child in 1957 surrounded by three of his sisters. Salley, who grew up on his family’s farm in Allendale County, S.C., established a scholarship at Africa University in honor of his hardworking parents, Marie and James Salley. Photo courtesy of James Salley.

Story by UM News First Friday Letter page 10

CCA invites applications from young people for year-long Internship Programme

The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) invites applications from young people between the ages of 22–29 for its year-long Internship Programme at the CCA Headquarters in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Four young ecumenists, who are committed to the ideals of the ecumenical movement, will be selected from among the applicants sponsored and recommended by the CCA’s member churches/ councils and ecumenical partner organisations.

• • • • •

Selected candidates will be assigned to work with one of the following areas: International Affairs, Peacebuilding, Human Rights, and Advocacy Mission, Unity, Contextual Theology, and Ecumenical Formation Church and Ecumenical Relations/General Secretariat Communications

The internship will be initially for one year starting from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023; however, this can be extended for a second term provided the candidate satisfactorily demonstrates his/her competence, performance, and commitment during the internship.

By providing this unique opportunity, the CCA aims to train young Asian ecumenists, develop their leadership skills, and enrich their ecumenical formation, as well as offer them chances to share their own experiences with CCA constituencies.

The deadline for submitting the completed application form along with supporting documents is 20 February 2022.

For information regarding requirements and selection criteria, the application procedure, and other details, please click here: CCA Youth Internship Programme 2022–2023 The application can be accessed and filled via the Google Form: https://forms.gle/wnqw9XTvXpKzWtTf7 World Methodist Council

First Friday Letter page 11

Photo credits: Perkins School of Theology/ R. Hipps

Please send press releases, articles and resources! Submissions should be a page or less (450-650 words), edited and ready to publish. Contact us by Monday, February 21 at communications@worldmethodistcouncil.org if you would like your story to be included in the March edition of the First Friday Letter.

On the Web

About the First Friday Letter

This and past First Friday Letters can be found online at FirstFridayLetter.worldmethodistcouncil.org.

The First Friday Newsletter is a monthly publication of the World Methodist Council.

The World Methodist Council’s website may be found at worldmethodistcouncil.org.

Publisher: Bishop Ivan Abrahams, General Secretary

The World Methodist Council’s Conference website is at worldmethodistconference.org.

Communications: Michaela Bryson

To subscribe to this newsletter, please email communications@worldmethodistcouncil.org.

All stories and photos, unless otherwise stated, are protected by their respective copyrights. Please do not copy without expressed written permission from the Council.

Follow the Council on social media!!

Twitter @WMCouncil

World Methodist Council

Facebook @World Methodist Council

Instagram @wmcouncil

First Friday Letter page 12