Africa 2003:
MWC resolve to hold Assembly 14
in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, still firm
STRASBOURG, France — In spite of March presidential elections which have left Zimbabwe deeply divided, the Brethren in Christ people of that country have reaffirmed their invitation to hold the Mennonite World Conference's global
assembly, Africa 2003, in Bulawayo in August, 2003. Ten days after the election, Bishop Danisa Ndlovu said, "There is no reason to change our minds about hosting the MWC in Bulawayo."
MWC leaders are firm in their resolve to stand in solidarity with their Zimbabwean brothers and sisters in these difficult times and to proceed with plans for the global gathering. In the days following the election, MWC president Mesach Krisetya noted that
the decision to go to Bulawayo is not supporting the repression by the country's government but rather showing solidarity with its people.
"The situation has deteriorated in the country since we made the decision two years ago to hold Assembly Gathered there," says Larry Miller, MWC executive secretary. "But all the word we are now receiving from Zimbabwe, including from foreign
embassy folk, is ‘sit tight, wait and see' what develops in the next couple of months. We are continuing to monitor the situation carefully."
A few days after the election, Jim Wall, Canadian High Commissioner to Zimbabwe, said, "Zimbabwe is going through a tense period. … I assume matters will have sorted themselves out well before your conference, but not necessarily in the next few weeks or even months."
In addition to the unsettling political situation, Zimbabweans also face economic problems. The worst
drought in years and fields left unplanted because of land issues mean that production of maize, the main crop, will be well below normal this year. Food shortages are likely, and there is no way of predicting what the situation will be next year. Inflation and the exchange rate remain in
flux, which will also have an impact on planning for Africa 2003.
The annual meeting of the MWC Executive Committee, which will be held in Bulawayo in August 2002, will include African and other international Mennonite leaders. Together they will assess the situation and make a final decision on continuing with plans for Africa 2003. MWC leaders are considering contingency plans should a change be deemed advisable.
Krisetya has called on the global Mennonite and BIC family to pray for the people of Zimbabwe. He notes that a people of peace must not forsake their brothers and sisters during difficult times.
How to register
Registration forms for Africa 2003, along with a list of tour options, are being mailed to pastors and national church offices around the world in May. Ask your pastor for a copy. Or contact the MWC office at 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1 CANADA.
Travel questions
As the official MWC travel agent, MTS Travel of Ephrata, Pa., USA, will handle the registration process, lodging in Bulawayo, and contracting with airlines. See the registration form for more information. E-mail: LawrenceR@mtstravel.com.
