Methodists condemn govt's military deal

By Boniswa November

EAST LONDON -- The Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) yesterday condemned the decision by the cabinet this week to go ahead with detailed negotiations to buy military hardware costing in the region of R29billion.

The proposed purchases are linked to investments and jobs in South Africa.

The head of the church, Bishop Mvume Dandala, said the deal further illustrated the "appalling" growth of militarism on the continent.

Speaking on the need for renewed emphasis on values, particularly Christian moral values, Bishop Dandala said in an interview yesterday the MCSA bishops were concerned about this decision.

They had committed themselves to the Millennium Mission Campaign (MMC) for transformation and healing on the continent, he said.

According to Bishop Dandala, "the church is not a sleeping giant, but a movement to transform the continent".

The MCSA bishops in the MMC would be in the forefront of teaching family values.

Methodist bishops are attending a leadership course here this week.