By Taurai Emmanuel Maforo
Simon Mafunda the Zimbabwe East Annual Conference Layleader is set to join other leaders in the connection for the Association of Annual Conference Lay Leaders 2015 Annual Meeting. The meeting themed “Conflict Transformed” will take place at BWI Airport Marriott, Maryland, USA from February 19th to the 22nd.
The meeting will discuss questions related to “Conflict Transformation: Beyond Tolerance and Offense” and the special speaker for the gathering will be Dr. Jan Love, Dean and Professor of Christianity and World Politics at Candler School of Theology, Emory University.
The meeting is convocation for layleaders in the world wide United Methodist Church.
The Layleader said “We have seen of late the increased participation of layleaders from Central Conferences. I see this as a positive development as we glean from each other’s experiences.”
Layleaders pay annual subscription of $200 and the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area has been represented in the past by the former Zimbabwe West Annual Conference Layleader, Mrs. Betty Katiyo. Mr. Simon Mafunda will be attending for the second time.
“Our appreciation also goes to the Great Plains Annual Conference who supported by paying the annual subscription in the tune of $200. Last year they supported me by taking care of both the annual subscription and accommodation in the spirit of Chabadza.”
Mr. Mafunda feels it is high time the church in Zimbabwe participates fully at such international gatherings. “I encourage the full participation of the Episcopal Area since we have two annual conferences it will be a blessing for both layleaders to attend the meeting.”
The basis for the 2015 theme “Conflict Transformed” lies in that, “We live in an era of political polarization when shouting matches often drown out genuine conversation and reasoned discussion. At times our churches and the wider Christian community suffer divisions so deep that we hardly recognize each other as followers of Christ.”
The meeting will further deal with questions of whether it is possible to hold true to our basic convictions without being offensive to others. Is it possible to engage our differences constructively rather than simply tolerating those with whom we passionately disagree? Can our common commitment to Christ transform the way we engage conflict?”
The layleaders will be received and engross in an energizing opening worship experience with the Baltimore Washington Episcopal Leader Bishop Matthews. The session will conclude with a wonderful worship opportunity Sunday morning at Lovely Lane UMC.
“The original Lovely Lane Meeting House was built in 1774. Ten years later, the Methodist Societies hosted the famous Christmas Conference at Lovely Lane Meeting House, where a new denomination was born: the Methodist Episcopal Church.” Read part of the invitation communiqué. End…