NEWS RELEASE

2/15/2008

Buenos Aires, February 9, 2008

NEWS RELEASE

The Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean expresses its solidarity with the Methodist Church of South Africa following the violent action by the police against the Central Methodist Church where 1,500 persons, among them many children, were forcibly removed and arrested. Refugees from Zimbabwe, they had fled to save their lives from the violence in that country.

Historically church buildings have been places of refuge in times of danger and social unrest. We regret that this repression by force has added to the suffering and fear of those who sought a place of safety at a time of extreme insecurity.

We are grateful to God for the witness and solidarity expressed by the Central Methodist Church which has been faithful to its mission of defending the human rights based on values of the Gospel.

We continue to pray for the thousands of refugees in South Africa as well as for the persons who are serving and caring for them. Through them we witness the presence of the Lord of Life.


Bishop Paulo Lockmann President	Bishop (E) Aldo M. Etchegoyen General Secretary

TO THE BISHOPS AND PRESIDENTS OF THE CHURCHES

10/31/2007

TO THE BISHOPS AND PRESIDENTS OF THE CHURCHES

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

I pray God’s blessings on your important ministry.

By resolution of the Governing Board which recently met in Río de Janeiro I a sending you this letter to begin the process for the election of the General Secretary who will begin his or her functions following the IX General Assembly to be held in Panama March 5 – 9, 2008.

According to the by-laws the process to be followed is:
One year prior to the Assembly the Governing Board, through the office of its president, will send the National Churches and other Organizations a notification of the election of the General Secretary, giving them the possibility of presenting a list of their candidates.
The process of nominating a candidate includes submitting a form describing the candidate, a letter of recommendation from the authorities of his/her Church or Organization, his/her curriculum vitae.
The Search Committee named by the Governing Board will receive the nominations and present a list of the candidates who meet the requirements of the office prior to the first meeting of Governing Board.
The Search Committee, if it deems necessary, can request more information about the candidates either in writing or through an interview.
The report of the Search Committee will include a job description and the salary sought by the candidate.

Nomination Process

The Governing Board will receive the report of the Search Committee and by a vote of two-thirds of its members will elect the General Secretary.
The General Secretary will begin his/her functions immediately following the election by the Governing Board and will complete his/her term of service at the next General Assembly.
Art.10 – The functions of the General Secretary Represent CIEMAL together with other member churches, other churches and national or international organizations by common agreement with the President.
Administer the activities of CIEMAL according to the decisions of the General Assembly, the Governing Board and the Executive Committee.
Carry out and execute the Constitution and By-laws of CIEMAL.
Orient and coordinate the development of programs and the budget of CIEMAL to be approved by the Governing Board.
Orient and coordinate the development of the annual report of activities of CIEMAL and submit it to the members of the Governing Board and the Bishops and Presidents before March 30 each year.
Together with the President take the initiative when unforeseen situations develop, making sure that the decisions taken are not in contradiction to those of organizations of higher authority.
Give his/her opinion concerning nominations to fill offices and functions within the structure of CIEMAL.
Communicate regularly with the President about his/her activities and present reports to each meeting of the Governing Board.
Participate in the meetings of the Governing Board as an ex oficio member with voice but not vote.
Carry out his/her activities upon decision of the Governing Board and the Executive Committee in accordance with the functions of the office.
Carry out his/her responsibility to sign checks together with the Treasurer.
Make known and implement, together with the programs of CIEMAL and member churches, the founding principles of CIEMAL concerning its nature, theological commitment, and its purpose, assuring that they are fulfilled through the program approved by the Governing Board.
Assist the President in the organization of the agenda and documents for the meetings of the Governing Board and the Executive Committee.
Provide the infrastructure for the functioning of the General Assembly, Governing Board and Executive Committee.
Receive the reports of the commissions, work groups and organizations related to CIEMAL.

For your information, the new Governing Board named by the General Assembly must meet immediately following the Assembly to determine its internal organization.
It is very important that the Churches send the names of their recommended candidates for President and Vice-President before the end of January 2008.

I remain at your disposition for any needed clarification.
May God inspire each Church in its nominations and final election.

I greet you in the name of the Lord,

Bishop Paulo Lockmann
President

CIEMAL: Communications in English

NEWS RELEASE

TO THE BISHOPS AND PRESIDENTS OF THE CHURCHES

TO THE BISHOPS AND PRESIDENTS OF THE CHURCHES

Nomination Process