Emerging Africa

What about asking Nelus to do a Saturday conversation in late January, just after the new Nieu Communities apprentices arrive? (as long as it's not disruptive?). How about Jan 26th, or Feb 2nd?

*sigh* Ok, here's the scoop: Rob (a long-time member of this site!) has been in contact with N.T. Wright's secretary. The earliest he can make it is 2009, so if we can rally some support (especially amongst the Anglicans, who shouldn't need much convincing) that could help. I suggest you get in touch with Rob rather than contacting the good bishop directly. In the meantime, grab a copy of Simply Christian and download all you can from ntwrightpage.com.

Talking about yourself in the 3rd person is a good idea; as are the others you mentioned ;) Why don't you Cape Town guys organise a day in Jan/Feb and get one of the suggested people around for a conversation? Arthur's suggestion about doing regional stuff is a good one.

You're all quite right about doing things regionally and building from there. 4 months seems a good time-frame. Cape Town guys, over to you! Marius is heading up to year-end exams and things, so if someone (Nic?) wants to stick out a head and organise something, go for it :)

As Roger says, I am a bit snowed under at the moment, but I don't want to lose the momentum that's building here, so why wait till next year for 'official' gatherings with 'speakers' (and pulpits)?

I propose a lunch date on Monday 19 Nov, 12h00 at Obz Cafe. I know it's a work day, but for many in ministry its day off, the students are lazing around instead of studying and all you guys in IT work whenever the hell you like! If Nic, Kevin and Tim can make it then we can hear what they are doing too.

I'll post it on the Cape Town cohort too, but it's an open invitation to anyone who wants to put faces to names and feel a little less lonely as liberated, free-thinking, post-everything, spiritual junkies.

Cori
I think your observations and suggestions are good. I'm trying to get a grasp of what "emergence" might translate to in a more African community than my own. People are suggesting "post-colonial", that is a good start.

Additionally (and perhaps to combat the myth of the "white male movement") the womans voice is heartily welcomed.

Speaking personally, I experience a precious momentum at the moment, which I don't want to quench. It happens to be a "white suburbian intelectual post-charismatic leftfield creative" momentum, and I want to honour that, with all its limitations.

I have made the "?mistake?" in the 1980's of veering off at 90 degrees from a happening thing directly into an African paradigm, only to end up mired and tired, with nothing much to show for 6-8 years of toil, and so remain cautious about doing this again. Having said that, Trevor Nhlola is a friend from that time, and he is one person I'd love to reengage with a part of this process.

The hope of community is that the parts operate together, so that those with African hearts work with those with post/European ones. My brother for example is thoroughly African - he knows the land, the myths, the people of Africa; while I am quite European. But we work well together.

I fully appreciate your suggestions but want to protect the things I see simmering away while they become what they should become.

Lastly I think its vital that we focus on locality and the resources in our midst, before thinking about the hassle, risk and expense of imported teachers. (As much as I love NT, Peter Rollins, and many others in the "First World".)

Emergence is after all different from planting. Emergence (as you pointed out in your Peru post) is looking firstly at our own potential. It's a long running SA trait to look abroad.