Visit to NECs and churches

Uganda

ECLOF has taken decisive action to revitalise the work of ECLOF in Uganda in the light of recent problems.

ECLOF International Director Muhungi Kanyoro, and Programme Secretary Priscilla Daniel visited the country for discussions with the ECLOF board and staff, as well as leaders of the Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox churches.

Discussions centred on restructuring the board and management, plus a review of ECLOF Uganda's operational plans.


Discussions took place within a friendly atmosphere in Uganda
(left to right) Priscilla Daniel, Programme Secretary ECLOF International;
Richard Obura, Chairperson ECLOF Uganda board; Annette Muwonge,
interim member of ECLOF Uganda board; Zimba Kisiigha, representative
of Orthodox Church; Muhungi Kanyoro, ECLOF International Director.

Armenian Apostolic Church and Armenian ECLOF

"In the old days the clergy was more educated than the church members. Today it is different and the church must adopt modern ways in order to communicate effectively with its members and society", explained His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, to ECLOF International Director Muhungi Kanyoro during his three-day visit in February to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, at the invitation of His Holiness.

The church has established a television station, Shoghagat ('Sparkling Drop'), as a spiritual and educational medium. The channel, which is professionally managed, also carries cultural and sports programmes. The church is in the process of constructing and equipping a modern production and broadcasting facility; already there is an information department with professional staff. His Holiness explained to Muhungi that the television station is essential for the mission of the church: "Due to modern communications there is stiff competition for the attention of society, and the church must keep abreast to remain relevant."

The ECLOF International Director also accompanied the Supreme Patriarch on visits to a number of construction sites for new churches and theological training facilities. His Holiness pointed out that the new buildings, as well as the construction and renovation of a number of other churches in the last four years, had been undertaken to support the church in the midst of a spiritual revival in Armenia.

Muhungi also saw one of seven church-managed youth centres that had belonged to the former communist government. The centre organises many youth activities such as music, drama, computer training and embroidery. In talking with the young people at the centre, the ECLOF Director discovered that many of them had already graduated from the centre but continued coming in the evening because of the stimulating environment. "As a church it is necessary to address the needs of the youth not only to inculcate appropriate values at an early stage but also to give them some skills", explained His Holiness.

During discussions, the Director explained to His Holiness the difference between ECLOF's General Capital and Development lending programmes, with General Capital loans going mainly to churches whilst Development loans are provided to the poor who can get credit in no other way. In response, the Catholicos said that he disagreed with this division. "Assisting the poor", he stressed, "is a primary mission of the church. By granting small-scale credit to the poor, ECLOF is doing the mission of the church. This is why I support the work that ECLOF is doing in Armenia."

WCC backs call for better HIV/AIDS treatment

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has given its support to a campaign in South Africa to demand access to affordable treatment for HIV/AIDS.

In a message sent before a march in Cape Town on 14 February, organized by the Treatment Action Campaign, the WCC General Secretary, Rev. Dr Konrad Raiser, said, "We believe that the message of Christ to the world is one which promises fullness of life to all. In the face of the great challenge humanity is facing with the AIDS epidemic, limiting access to treatment in AIDS to a few, whatever the reason, goes against the will of God."

Dr. Raiser added that millions were unable to receive the treatment they needed because of the "hurdles" that industry, governments and societies had erected.

The South African Council of Churches is among the supporters of the Treatment Action Campaign.