Rallying for the poor and hungry

NO, THIS IS NOT an anti-government demonstration or anti-apartheid rally. It is a peaceful rally to tell the world that Methodist Christians do care for the poor, the hungry and the oppressed.

Delegates to the World Methodist Conference took part in the historic Street Parade and Rally on Aug 7 which started from the International Convention Centre, the conference venue, and ended at the City Hall, two kilometres away.

Members of the public joined in the parade which wound its way through major city roads that were closed to traffic and guarded by police escorts on motorcycles and cars.

At the head of the parade were officers of the World Methodist Council (WMC), led by its Chairman, the Rev Dr John Barrett. They held a banner, chest-high, emblazoned with the conference logo and labels such as “Healing”, “Justice”, “Peace”, “Unity” and “Compassion” as they led the throng through the streets.

There was plenty of – what else? – music and dancing, as they marched to stirring tunes rendered by the Salvation Army Band. There was a carnival-like atmosphere although the message of the rally was serious.

The march ended at the august City Hall steps where the rally began. The message was given by the Pastor of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, the Rev Sidwell Mokgothu, a veteran of anti-apartheid rallies. He reminded the people of their bitter struggles in the past and urged the young generation not to forget the nation’s heroes in their quest for justice.