News

Bishop Leontine Kelly Endowed Scholarship Fund Breaks Barriers for Africa University Student

NASHVILLE – As Zimbabwe was embroiled in hyperinflation which crippled its economy, Africa University student Bright Mutingwende was able to enroll and attend classes through the scholarship support he received from the Bishop Leontine T.C. Kelly Endowed Scholarship Fund. In June, Mutingwende expects to fulfill a dream by receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting from the university's Faculty (school) of Management.   Bishop Kelly was honored with the creation of the...

Support Africa University Fund

Africa University, a United Methodist-Related Institution, is a shining light of ministry, education, and service to many. Africa University has emerged as one of the continent's leading universities – working closely with excellent universities around the world, collaborating on research projects, and engaging in faculty exchanges.   Since Africa University's first class graduated in 1994, more than 3,500 people have earned degrees related to theology; agriculture; business...

Bishops Break New Ground at Africa University

A UMNS Report By Sharai Nondo* Breaking ground on a $60,000 duplex for staff members is a concrete signal of The United Methodist Church's commitment to Africa University, according to that school's founding chancellor.   "The opportunity was presented to us, and we knew that one day this would come," said a joyous Emilio De Carvalho, retired bishop of Angola.   The groundbreaking marks the beginning of the first structure built by The United Methodist Church's...

Africa University Supporter Dies at 66

BERLIN (UMNS) - The Rev. Heinrich Meinhardt, a key supporter and board member of Africa University, died Dec. 9 after a long battle with cancer. Meinhardt, 66, also served on the boards of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the General Council on Finance and Administration representing the Germany Central Conference. His service to Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, began before the university opened in 1992. In 1991, Meinhardt and others organized a...

Africa University to Inaugurate New Leaders

MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) - United Methodist-related Africa University will inaugurate its third chancellor and vice chancellor Dec. 5. Bishop David Kekumba Yemba, 66, of the Democratic Republic of Congo, will be officially installed as chancellor. Fanuel Tagwira, a pioneer staff member of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will be inaugurated as vice chancellor.   Other activities at the inauguration include the dedication of the Institute of Peace, Leadership and...

Consultation Paves the Way to Better Theological Education in Africa

Sept. 18, 2009 | KAMPALA, UGANDA – The lack of theological education and training resources in Africa is all too familiar to Yatta Young, dean of Gbarnga School of Theology in Monrovia, Liberia. "We rely on teachers' notes. We don't have books," Dr. Young said.   Young was among 23 United Methodist theologians, seminary representatives, and leaders from across Africa, as well as representatives from general church boards and agencies in the U.S., who gathered August...

Tagwira Elected To Lead Africa University

By Andra Stevens* April 7, 2009 | MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) After 15 months of leading United Methodist-related Africa University in an interim position, Fanuel Tagwira has been named the school's third vice chancellor. Tagwira, 51, was elected to the post April 4 by Africa University's board of directors its April 1-4 meeting. "He is the appropriate person--he knows and understands the environment and the institution--and he is a seasoned leader who can take the university to the next...

Zimbabwe's Suffering Is Man-Made, Lawyer Says

A UMNS Report By Linda Green* April 1, 2009 Zimbabwe's massive problems are man-made, says a human rights attorney in that country. According to Tinoziva Bere, 43, who also is vice president of the Zimbabwe Law Association and legal counsel for United Methodist-related Africa University, "there is serious poverty that has been caused by the government's way of doing business. There is extreme suffering which is man-made." The country has been plagued with rampant inflation of more than...

Bishop Yemba Re-elected in the Congo

(UMNS) Bishop David Kekumba Yemba has been re-elected to oversee the UMC’s Central Congo Area after four years of service. With his re-election, he is now a bishop for life. Yemba won Aug. 26 on the third ballot by the Congo Central Conference, meeting in Kananga in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Yemba is the third UM bishop elected or re-elected in Africa this year. In July, Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa was re-elected to lead the denomination's Zimbabwe Area, and the Rev. Joaquina Filipe...

Zimbabwe’s Economic Woes Create Urgent Funding Need for Africa University

AU Shines Through Adversity Old Mutare, Zimbabwe – Operating in a nation beset by economic and political crises, Africa University has issued an urgent plea for United Methodist congregations to fulfill their 2008 financial obligations to the Zimbabwe-based school.   Fanuel Tagwira, interim vice chancellor of the United Methodist-related university, made the plea on Wednesday, September 3 in a letter addressed to United Methodist leaders around the globe.   “As I...