United Methodist Association of Communicators-Africa Region (UMAC-AR)

Minutes of June 25, 2006 meeting 4:30pm

Held at Africa University

Attendance: Sarah Mawerere (Uganda), Rev. Lloyd Nyarota (Zim), Nabirye Teddy (Uganda), Dauda Marafa Goding (Nigeria), Lynette Regede (Zim), Rev. Betty Kazadi Musau (DRC), Phileas S. Jusu (Sierra Leone), Alfred Lali (S. Africa), Isaac Broune (Cote d’Ivoire), Andengs Hussaini Ibada (Nigeria), Mbabaye Pepi (Burundi), Christiana Rogers (Sierra Leone), Marie Manisha (Burundi), John Kaumba Makalu (DR-Congo), Arthur Mpoyo Mbuya (DR-Congo), Jackie Kamon Kashal (DR-Congo), Rev. Louis Loma Otshudt (DR-Congo), Rev. Bobistché N’Guessan Bruno (Cote d’Ivoire), Sinanga Juvénal (Rwanda), Simon Sipiwo Gunuza (S. Africa), James Mwoho (Uganda), Armindo Chaúque (Mozambique), Antonio Wilson (Mozambique), Tomás Domingos (Angola) (Taylor Walters (secretary/USA), Konah Parker (president/Liberia) Guests: George Namale (Malawi), James Humbane (Portuguese interpreter), Andrew Manyawu (French interpreter)  Absent: Chantal Otshudi (DR-Congo), Daniel Mhone (Malawi)

Welcome and Greetings

Prayers

Reading of June 18, 2006 minutes

Minutes were unanimously approved pending the insertion of delegates’ full names into the report.

Old Business:

Report of committee appointed at June 18, 2006 meeting

The committee, chaired by Ms. Sarah Mawerere of Uganda, read and passed-out copies of their recommendations regarding the aims & objectives and membership & election rules of UMAC-AR (report attached).  The majority of the body felt that since they were just now reading these proposals and that French and Portuguese translations of the report had not been completed in time for the meeting, decisions regarding it should be delayed until the next meeting.  A motion to delay these discussions until the delegates have time to discern the implications of the proposals was passed 17-6.

Discussion of Newspaper Production

President Parker reminded the body of discussions that occurred during the journalism class regarding the creation of a UMAC-AR newspaper. He asked the body if they would like to pursue this project. The discussion was postponed for later.

Update on Discussion board

Taylor Walters reported that two-thirds of the delegates have registered for the discussion board and one-third have posted a message.  She reminded the delegates to post messages before they leave the training event in case they have difficulties in learning how to use the program.

New business:

None, except a request for the Appreciation Statement Committee (appointed by President Parker last week) to meet after dinner this evening. This committee has been charged to draft UMAC-AR’s official statement of appreciation to General Conference and the other agencies that made this gathering possible.

The meeting was closed with a prayer.