By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
In an effort to strategize on how to revamp economies of most African nations, which are almost undergoing recession, Heads of Africa Methodist Council have called on leaders of the continent to engage citizens of their countries in advocacy and education on how to end banditry, kidnapping, human trafficking, and illegal migration (Japa).
The council also urged church leaders to focus attention on preaching messages that will assist government of their nations overcome illegal migration in order to salvage the continent from abject poverty.
President of the council, Most Rev. Paul Boafo, gave the charge at the end of six-day conference, organized by Africa Methodist Council Heads of Conferences Summit/2nd Africa Women’s Conference, which held at Wesley Chapel, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the council president, the presiding Bishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Atamunu Calabar, Rt. Rev, Barr. Otuekong Ukut, PhD, said that if advocacy is not done to end human trafficking, banditry and Japa syndrome, economies of most Africa nations will be in jeopardy.
A communiqué released by the AMC, dated June 7, 2024, with Rev. Dr. Martin Mujinga as secretary, and Very Rev. Anthony Cobbah, as treasurer, issued on behave of 13 countries representing 24 conferences connected by common heritage and faith grounded in the Wesleyan tradition, and made available to our correspondent in Càlabar warned sternly that failure to halt activities of human trafficking in persons, economies of most African nations would be on the wheel.
The communique stated, “We are made to recognize the role church and its leaders can play in clamping down on the scourge of human trafficking through education, advocacy, partnership with NGOs and faith-based organizations, to take seriously the stewardship of God’s people and all the resources God has entrusted to us.”
Speaking on the theme; ‘A Revitalized Methodist Movement for the Transformation of Africa’s Socio-Political and Economic Landscape,’ the communiqué urged the church not to relent in fighting for the weak and oppressed if the continent is eager to build an egalitarian society.
The communiqué urged the church to transform Methodist movement for the good of socio-political and economic landscape of Africa.
The council appealed to the church to join voices with like-minded organizations in condemning the proposed repeal of the ban on female genital mutilation in the Gambia by issuing a formal statement on the position of Africa Methodist Council to all, especially the Gambia Parliament.
