Minneapolis spokesman., 1962-02-02

The speed with which sue
matter of aStOnishment to the
Melvin Blake, New York, believes.
He is executive secretary for Az
rica of the Division of World Mis-
sions, Methodist Board of Missions.
In his annual report, DR.. Blake
said there are now 81 African
states and territories, most of
which are independent and under
black leadership. AS 1862 opens, 27
African states face possibilities
varying from complete independ-
ence during the year to continuing
open revolt for self-determination.
DIR. Blake said that knowledge
able people see the transfOrma-
tion from dependence to inde-
pendence as a natural phenOm-
enon", following the development
of an "eIite" throughout the con-
tinent.
1T would have been indeed a
phenomenon producing even great
er establishment had the African
elite not participated in breaking
the bonds of subservience," he said.
Though there are instances of
tragedy in the transfer from de-
pendence to independence (as the
Congo), DR.. Blake said that the
virtual political transformation OF
continent has taken place in a
relatively short period of time with
minimum of upheaval.
The American Methodist church
is related through missionaries and
financial assistance to eight of AT
rica's 81 political divisions, DR.
Blake said. Four of these areas
(Tunisia, Liberia, the Congo and
the Republic of South Africa) are
independent, though in South AT
rica, the black majority is still
controlled by the white minority
and further political disturbances
can be expected.
The other four areas (AngOla,
Mozambique, Southern RhOdesia
and Algeria) are still considered
dependencies Of European na-
tiOns.
In view of the rapid and relent-
less moves for independence, DR.
Blake said the Board of Missions
representing the Methodist church
in the United States, should be pre-
pared for further disturbances in
those areas not yet independent
Such disturbances may become
acute, such as that in Angola, he
said, cor the coming of self-de.
termination may be peaceful, de-
pending on the attitude and pro-
cedures used by the European ma
ton concerned and the level of de-
velopment of the people in the
area"
Despite the unsettled and un-
predictable political climate
throughout Africa, Methodist
mission work has continued to
progress. For example, DIR. Blake
pointed out, schools In the Cent
raj Congo, where missionaries
were evacuated early last year,
are still open, with students be-
ing taught by African teachers
who have not been paid for
months.
The mission press at Lodja is
publishing material for the church
and government, with African per
sonnel operating the presses and
other equipment.
In education, DR.. Blake reported
the missionary program of Protest
ant churches in the Congo has pro-
duced a Christian community OF
1000, 900 and a Methodist proposal
has become an ecumenical fact ir
the Congo Polytechnic Institute
a Congolese institution with 6
proposed budget Of S2s, 900, 900 ant
a task Of training 1900 Congoiest
over a period Of five years. Event
ually classes will be conducted al
% sites throughout the Congo
Several complete scientific higl
schools will be a part Of this pro
gram.
DR.. Blake termed as short
sighted" critics who profess belle
that missions has seen its day, tha
its end In overseas countries l!
near at hand. He said: "As thu
curtain falls on the era of depend
ence and rises on the era of self
de t termin ation. the Methods
Church in the U.S., in concert will
other Christian bodies Throughout
the world, should be aware of al
era aborning when, in fraternit,
with the churches Of Africa, Chris