The Henri Nouwen Society of Southern Africa

This is a synopsis of the discussion that took place at the first meeting of the Advisory Board of the Society held on Wednesday 9 December 1998 at the Bellville Presbyterian Church.

Present Pieter de Villiers, Dion Forster and George Marchinkowski

Apologies Rod Botsis

Correspondence

George Marchinkowski tabled three letters, two from the Sue Mosteller of the Henri Nouwen Literary Trust and one from Laurent Nouwen of the Henri Nouwen Stichting in Rotterdam. Discussion took place around these two letters.

Aims and objectives

The aims and objectives, as set out (and amended) in the attatched brochure were discussed and approved. It was noted that the first goal listed (pertaining to making contact) had been achieved with regard to the Canadian and Dutch groups.

Events

It was decided that the Society should produce a newsletter as soon as possible to advertise its work and to invite people to take up membership. Adverts should also be sent to the church newspapers (eg. Kerkbode, Dimension, Perspective, the Chronicle etc). Workshops would probably only be feasible in AD 2000.

Newsletter

The newsletter should be published four times a year (try for end Jan, April, July, Oct) but to protect against unfulfilled promises, it should be called 'regular'. It should include: a lead article (different author every month), a book review (from earliest book onward), news from abroad, any new publications, events, address and website etc.

It was decided that for the first newsletter would consist of the following:

The second Newsletter:

Lead Article Reflections on the road to Daybreak (Pieter de Villiers)

Book Review Thomas Merton, contemplative critic (Dion Forster)

Membership fee

It was agreed that, in view of postage and photocopy charges, a membership fee of R20 pa should be charged.

Advisory Board size

At present the four should remain but others could be asked to join later if necessary.

Next Meeting

It was agreed that, if possible, the next meeting should be held in Grahamstown in the week of 12 April 1999.