ITEMS OF INTEREST May 30, 2005 Issue

ITEMS OF INTEREST

with contributions from Isaiah Kipyegon, Adelle Banks, Al Winseman

"A PEACE CONFERENCE dedicated to the women of Africa, dubbed Mothers and Daughters of Africa, commenced [April 25] in Johannesburg, South Africa. Among other things, the conference was aimed at finding a healing for the challenges faced by the continent.

"Speaking during the official opening of the meeting, the secretary general of the World Lutheran Federation, Rev. Dr. Ishmail Noko, said the meeting was unique in bringing together seven distinct religions from all over Africa.

"The pre-summit, which will precede the Inter-Faith Action for Peace in Africa (IFAPA), brings together delegates and participants from over forty African countries and beyond with the aim of fostering dialogue, exchanging ideas, and finding a way forward for a continent tormented by a myriad of crises. 'Africa as a continent is going through both spiritual and material crises, and the solution to our problems can no longer be simple. These are complex challenges and therefore demand that both men and women work together to find lasting solutions,' said Rev. Dr. Noko....