St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1962-02-02

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matter of establishment to the
Melvin Blake, New York, believes.
He is executive secretary for AZ
RIGA 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-
ton from dependence to indie
pendence as a natural phenom-
enOn', following the development
of an "elite" 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 las the
Congo), DR.. Blake said that the
virtual political transformation of
continent has taken place in a
relatively short period of time With
a minimum of upheaVal.
The American Methodist church
is related through missionaries and
financial assistance to eight of Az
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
RIGA, 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 ma
tons.
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, "or 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 I'M
practicable 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-
sonnet 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 In
the Congo Polytechnic Institute,
a Congolese institution with a
budget of $2s, 900, 900 and
a task Of training 1900 Congolese
over a period Of five years. Event
ually classes will be conducted at
% sites throughout the Congo.
Several complete scientific high
schools will be a part of this pro-
gram.
DR.. Blake termed as short
sighted" critics who profess belief
that missions has seen its day, that
its end in overseas countries is
near at hand. He said: "As the
curtain falls on the era of depend |
ence and rises on the era Of self
de mination, the Methodist |
in the US, in concert with
other Christian bodies throughout
the world, should be aware of an
era aborning when, in fraternity
with the churches Of Africa, Christ