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GBCS sponsors student seminar on
social principles of the UMC

GBCS sponsors student seminar on social principles of the UMC
Officials from the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) of the United Methodist Church will be on campus from Friday, 29 September to 1 October for a three-day seminar for students. Rev. Neal Christie, Assistant General
Secretary responsible for the Education and Leadership Formation ministry at GBCS, and Rev. Liberato “Levi” Bautista, also an Assistant General Secretary and GBCS’s main representative to the United Nations will serve as presenters/facilitators at the event.
The seminar, focusing on the social principles of the UMC, is being organized by members of the United
Methodist Student Movement (UMSM) in collaboration with the University Chaplain’s Office. It will involve more
than 100 students representing all of the University’s faculties and most of the Africa Central Conference. The UMC’s Social Principles are describes as “a
prayerful and thoughtful effort on the part of the General Conference to speak to the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation...”

During the weekend seminar, the students will talk about the socio-political and cultural environments prevailing in their countries. They will examine the major challenges facing their societies and explore their success stories and the particular strengths and assets—including the involvement of young people in processes that bring about social change—that support peace, economic development and social justice.
The GBCS has also expressed an interest in further supporting Africa University’s work. While on campus, Rev. Christie and Rev. Bautista have scheduled meetings with faculty and staff to talk about new areas of collaboration.