Delegates from the PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MAURITIUS (PCM): Ms. Magda Curpanen and Assistant Pastor Jocelyn Dennemont.
Development of the theme of the General Assembly: ‘Bearing fruit’ (inspired by John 15:1-5)
With this theme, the Cevaa wants to draw on the principles and images of fruit to emphasise the role of churches as active witnesses of God’s love in the world. Taking time to reflect and discern how, together, we can respond to Christ’s call and bear fruit that transforms lives and communities, especially with Cevaa partners.
Upon our arrival, we were welcomed by the General Secretary, Ms. Claudia Shulz. The opening service took place at the Vaudoise Church, a few metres from the accommodation centre (Foresteria Valdese). The sermon focused on the fruit of a new perspective – diversity and the fruit of reciprocity.
The working sessions took place in the Casa Valdese synod hall. Around sixty delegates from CEVAA member churches attended this General Assembly.
The workshop began with a video message from the President of Cevaa, who was unable to attend in person due to unforeseen circumstances. Your presence here today is a testament to your love for God, a common cause to be pursued, he said in essence.
The Moderator of this Assembly was Mr Bazile Zouma.
On the agenda were projects and workshop discussions: CEVAA’s new strategy, projects and fundraising, adoption of the 2023 and 2024 accounts, vote on the 2026 budget, Joint Action, missionary exchanges, and the Youth Charter.
In the budget proposal, Cevaa proposed a 40% increase in the annual contribution from member churches. Due to counter-proposals from delegates, including PCM, this item will be reworked by the new Executive Council.
There were also regional meetings – PCM was part of the Southern Africa/Indian Ocean region – Assistant Pastor Jocelyn Dennemont was chosen by this group to deliver the sermon during the meditation/prayer on Thursday 9 October – theme: ‘Remain united in Jesus’, John 15:4. The groups for Theological Animation were also divided up. In addition, the delegates listened attentively to a lecture by Professor Jean François Zorn, author of the book ‘Une mission protestante dans des temps de crise (A Protestant Mission in Times of Crisis (La Mission de Paris de 1914-1971)’. The author gave copies of his book to the member churches through the delegates present.
Election of the new CEVAA Council. Pastor Tehuiaril PIFAO was elected president of the CEVAA Council.
Ms. Claudia SHULZ was reappointed as CEVAA Secretary General.
Moderator: Michael MONTES.
Secretary: Diamondra RAMALISON.
Without a doubt, this General Assembly was a rich experience for the PCM delegates and will contribute to the advancement of our community of faith.
Jocelyn DENNEMONT
Jocelyn DENNEMONT