Acts and Resolutions of the 65^th Session of the Synod of the Diocese of Grahamstown, 20-23 April 2010

 

Agendum 4.                     Motion Regarding the State of Education in South Africa

Mover:             Mr N. Yili

Seconder:          Archdeacon William Fobosi

This 65th Session of the Grahamstown Diocesan Synod mandates the church through our Bishop to engage government on:

1.       Matters relating to rights of children, as these seem to limit the rights of parents to instil discipline in their offspring

2.       The impact of teenage pregnancy on the rights of others to education and an environment conducive to learning

3.       The banishment of religious education in school

Further, this Synod recommends:

1.       The establishment of a monitoring and evaluation committee to look at the implementation of proposals on education and an audit of what is happening around the said adoption of schools by parishes.

2.       Develop strategies and solutions within existing initiatives (e.g. by the Mothers’ Union and parishes already implementing the school adoption recommendation) as success stories.

3.       That the Synod of the Diocese of Grahamstown urges the Department of Education to urgently implement its policy of sending inspectors into schools to ensure that teachers are in the classroom and that positive teaching is taking place.

4.       That a mass action campaign is recommended at the Provincial Synod to urge government to be responsible and accountable and demand that education is restored to its essential plan in our society, always remembering that the greatest impact is on the poorest of the poor.

Result

This motion was passed.

Agendum 5.                      Motion Regarding the Implementation of the Diocesan Vision and Mission

Proposer:          Mr N. Yili

Seconder:          Canon Peter Mtuze

This Synod, noting that:

It is more than five years since we developed the Vision and Mission of the Diocese with the assistance of Father Walton;

Believing that:

·         What the Diocese adopted, parishes should implement;

·         Worship and stewardship in parishes MUST be goal-driven;

Recommends that:

·         Parishes be encouraged to implement the Diocesan Vision and Mission;

·         The Diocesan Vision and Mission be made available to all parishioners and be stored in such a way that everyone will have access to them and be reminded to take the necessary action.

Result

This motion was passed.

Agendum 6.                     Motion Regarding Climate Change and Sustainability

Proposer:          Reverend Canon Richard Wingaard

Seconder:          The Venerable Mark Spyker

Noting that

1.       The past 10 years have been the hottest years in recorded history;

2.       The IPCC’s (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) reached the conclusion that the world will face an average climate increase of as much as 2-4 degrees Celsius in the foreseeable future;

3.       This would result in enormous water shortages, destruction of coastal habitat, changes in rainfall patterns and destruction of agricultural infrastructure and subsistence farming;

4.       This would directly affect rural areas, availability of foods and result in increased poverty;

5.       These effects are primarily caused by human activities related to C02 emissions from coal electricity production, motor vehicles and pollution from households and industry;

6.       The destruction of the environment will directly affect the quality of life of our children and grandchildren;

7.       Eskom’s plans to increase electrical capacity will considerably increase C02 emissions and general pollution thereby exacerbating climate change;

8.       There has been an unprecedented water shortage in the Eastern Cape;

9.       Many dams have dried up and others are approaching below 10% capacity;

10.   In many rural areas water has to be trucked in because of the lack of rain or adequate water supply;

11.   Climate change will continue to exacerbate these affects in the years to come;

12.   Pollution is a major contributor to climate change as well as the destruction of water supply and ground water;

13.   This also contributes to the spread of sickness and disease;

14.   The above energy, pollution and water crisis will become an ongoing reality in the future;

Resolves to :

Request all church and diocesan properties, parishes and rectories to:

1.       undergo an energy audit.

2.       investigate the installation of solar power particularly for the heating of geysers. 

3.       ensure  geysers are properly insulated and on a heating timer.

4.       install energy saving globes in every light fitting including but not limited to security lights.

5.       report on their energy usage and seek to cut their electricity usage by 20% in 2010. (which would result in a financial saving given Eskoms 300% tariff increase in the next 3 years)

Request all church and diocesan properties, parishes and rectories to:

1.       install rainwater collection tanks.

2.       Fix leaking taps.

3.       install dual flush toilets where possible.

4.       Report on water usage to the diocese. 

5.       seek to cut water usage by 20% in 2010.

Request all church and diocesan properties, parishes and rectories to:

1.       seek to cut water usage by 20% in 2010.

2.       institute a proper recycling system to separate glass, paper, plastic and metals.

Respectfully request the Bishop to invite interested person, both clergy and lay, to form a diocesan committee by the end of 2010 to:

1.       Collect information for parishes to use to educate parishioners on environmental issues

2.       Provide practical suggestions to parishes on how to implement a “green strategy”

3.       Set up a green policy with measurable outcomes and targets for all Diocesan properties and parishes to adhere to.

4.       Ensure that all parishes adhere to these provisions

Request that the College of Transfiguration includes courses on environmental issues in its curriculum.

This synod resolves to:

1.       Appeal to provincial synod to investigate a green policy in the Canons and Constitutions of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.

Result

This motion was passed.

Agendum 7.                      Motion Regarding Initiation and Circumcision Schools

Proposer:          Canon P. Mtuze

Seconder:          The Ven. Mark Spyker

Noting

1.       the high incidence of death, injury and maiming caused to some initiates at circumcision schools through the negligence of “quack” guardians and surgeons

2.       the growing prevalence of unacceptable behaviour patterns on the part of boys at the lodge and after discharge therefrom

3.       the hijacking of the practice by people with personal agendas, driven by self interest

This Synod resolves

the motion on initiation passed, that the Bishop of Grahamstown see to it that the motion that was agreed on and passed at the 62^nd Session of the Grahamstown Diocesan Synod is practised through the relevant organs of the church, to create a safe environment and a morally strong community

Result

This motion was passed.

Agendum 8.                     Motion Monogamy and Marriage

Proposer : Archdeacon Mark Spyker

Seconder: Archdeacon Thami Mhlana

This Synod, noting that

People in South Africa are becoming increasingly confused by polygamous marriage practised by high profile people and leaders in society, and are themselves increasingly accepting sexual activity with partners outside marriage as the societal norm;

Re-affirms that

Marriage by divine institution is a lifelong and exclusive union and partnership between one man and one woman (Canon 34)

and therefore resolves that

All parishes in the Diocese commit themselves to:

1.       Teaching the ideals of such a marriage to their parishes, and young people in particular, in sermons and Sunday School classes

2.       Adequately preparing couples for marriage with suitable teaching courses

3.       Assisting couples with appropriate courses in marriage enrichment

4.       Providing ongoing support & counselling for couples whose marriages are in difficulty

5.       Celebrating monogamous marriage and family life as foundations of our church & society

6.       Nevertheless providing support, teaching, and encouragement to those whose marriages have failed

7.       Continuing to support and encourage those whose ‘higher calling’ (in the words of the Apostle Paul) is to remain single.

Result

This motion was passed.

Agendum 9.                     Motion Regarding Human Sexuality

Proposer:          Reverend Canon Cynthia Webbstock

Seconder:          Reverend Canon Colin Leslie

This synod

1.       Affirms the Church’s deep commitment to supporting, life-long monogamous relationships;

And resolves

The leadership of the Diocese engage in setting up structures within the next 6 months in the form of clergy schools and seminars;

1.       To enable discussion to take place surrounding the Windsor Report, leading to the Anglican Communion’s Covenant document.

2.       Human Sexuality with particular emphasis on same sex orientation.

3.       Pastoral ministry to those who are in polygamist relationships and have same-sex relationships and wish the church to bless relationships.

And

A response and position is found that pastorally cares for the people who finds themselves outside the accepted norms of church and society affirming and accepting same sex orientation has having a place in the heart of God and in the hearts of God’s people.

Result

This motion was passed.

Agendum 10.                 Motion Regarding Alcohol and Alcoholism

Proposer:          Reverend Margaret Fourie

Seconder:          Reverend Noeleen Arends

This Synod, noting

1.       the national concern about the abuse of alcoholic beverages and the effects on family life, crime and violence;

2.       the proliferation of licensed and unlicensed taverns in residential areas;

3.       that the age-restriction laws are not being enforced in many establishments and the incidence of drunkenness in children has escalated dramatically;

4.       the terms of the liquor licences which allow both the sale and consumption of alcohol seven days a week, including Sundays;

Expresses

its deep concern about this situation, and

Requests

1.       the relevant Minister urgently to review the licensing regulations relating to both off-sales and taverns;

2.       The SAPS provincial head to instruct all stations under his command to implement and follow up on the laws controlling the consumption of alcohol by minors;

3.       the Liquor Licensing Board to ensure that communities are properly consulted when licences are applied for;

4.       parishes to set up support programmes for those affected by alcoholism and abuse, and, in addition, to draw public attention to the abuses of the present law.

Result

 

8.          Motions Arising from the Bishop's Charge or Matters of Urgency in the Last Six Weeks

Agendum 1.                       Motion Regarding Human Trafficking

Proposer:          Mrs Noncedo Ntlali

Seconder:          Ms Ndenze

Noting that:

1.       The Fifa 2010 World Cup will bring international exposure of South Africa and thus attract tourists and bring job opportunities for South Africans whilst at the same time will attract and bring opportunists who seek to exploit this international event for their selfish interest by exploiting young girls and women in the form of human trafficking in the following forms:

2.       Selling of young people to foreigners by locals and vice versa. Syndicates all over the world are trafficking hundreds of women and girls to South Africa. These gangs smuggle between 30 and 40 women and girls into this country every month in preparation for the World Cup in the pretext that they are recruited for bona fide jobs. Once they are here their passports are confiscated and are then forced into prostitution, some of them are as young as 16 years. There is widespread fear that the numbers of trafficked women to South Africa will increase dramatically in the build up to the World Cup.

3.       Abduction of young people under the pretext of access to employment. In South Africa there are traffickers also known as recruiters who abduct girl – children in the pretext  that they are going to be waitresses, but instead are used as prostitutes. Those who refuse are beaten up and even raped until they agree. They are kept in safe houses until prospective buyers are ready to buy them for as little as R5000.

4.       Targeting of poor parents to trade their children for lobola and dowry. In the rural areas poor parents are specifically targeted to trade in their children while still very young from as young as 12 years of age with promises of dowry in the form of cows, goats etc. These girls are forced to marry strangers and go with them to Johannesburg to be their sex slaves.

Believing that:

1.       This practise is responsible for breakdown in family and social values living many a children traumatised and scarred for the rest of their lives creating a vicious cycle of life of abuse.

2.       It is the duty of all us as South Africans particularly law enforcement personnel, the justice system and our courts to stop this immoral practise and severely deal with these national and international syndicates exploiting our young children and women.

As this Synod hereby resolves that:

1.       The Mothers’ Union  together with other interested structures within the Diocese should embark on a Campaign against Human Trafficking which involves all parishes.

2.       The Church should continuously facilitate educational and awareness initiatives against Human Trafficking; for example engaging the department of education to include this in its life orientation.

3.       The Mothers’ Union be requested to have a dedicated Prayer Day immediately prior to World Cup Kick-Off day on 11th June 2010.

4.       The Diocese requests the Province to lobby for the introduction of dedicated and comprehensive legislation, to protect victims and prosecute offenders, handled by a specialised multidisciplinary National Task Team.

5.       All Diocesan structures to urge their members to support and participate in government programmes that seek to eradicate poverty and unemployment, especially in rural areas.

Result

This motion was passed.

Agendum 2.                     Motion Regarding Finance, Administration and Stewardship

Proposer: Reverend Margaret Fourie

Seconder: Cynthia Webbstock

This synod, acknowledging the stewardship of all our resources is a measure of our relationship with God, urges:

·         parishes to ensure that all administrative and financial officers of the church have the requisite training and skill to fulfil their task accurately and responsibly,

·         all clergy, churchwardens and parish counsellors to lead by example in the matter of generous giving, using tithing as a guideline, acknowledging this to be a discipline of love and obedience.

Result:

This motion was passed with amendments.

Agendum 3.                     Motion Regarding Capraway

Proposer:          Canon Peter Mtuze

Seconder:          Archdeacon William Fobosi

Noting that

1.       There are a number of projects currently initiated and run by different church organisations of the Diocese of Grahamstown and,

2.       the resources available by way of land, people and property and,

3.       the said disparate activities all aim to promote self-help, social upliftment and justice and finally,

4.       the Diocese, in its competency and wisdom, has caused the establishment of a company currently known as CAPRAWAY, to monitor, coordinate and promote this work in the Diocese,

It is therefore proposed that

1.       Synod lend their support to the project and/or company to enable the relevant structures to implement, accountably, the company's projects, as laid down in its articles of association.

Result

This motion was passed.

Agendum 4.                     Motion Regarding the Current Municipal Worker Strike

Proposer:          Simphiwe Magxwalisa

Seconder:          Barry Wittstock

This Synod, noting that:

1.       The country is now in the second week of the municipal worker strikes organised by SAMWU against the South African Local Government Association as their employer.

2.       These strikes are now accompanied by violent crimes, looting, throwing rubbish in the streets and destroying government property and vehicles.

Recommends that:

1.       We have sympathy for people who are working under unfavourable conditions.

2.       This synod issues a statement that condemns this bad behaviour, shares our fears with the employer and encourage the employer and employee to reach an agreement on their disputes.

3.       We continue to encourage people in our local parishes to stop being violent when they are striving to have their voices heard.

Result

This motion was passed.

Agendum 5.                      Motion Regarding the Installation of Bishop Mazwi Tisani

Proposer:          Archdeacon William Fobosi

Archdeacon William Fobosi proposes that this synod write a letter of congratulation to Bishop Mazwi and that the Diocese is represented at the Bishop's installation on 24 April 2010.

Result

This motion was passed.

Agendum 6.                     Unopposed Motion Regarding a Minute of Silence in Memory of Sonwabo Tshabe

Having heard the informative report on the Bernard Mizeki Guild in the Diocese and their excellent work in support of the church, and having heard about the untimely death of one of its staunch members, Mr Sonwabo Tshabe, who was in his life responsible for communication and publicity and was succesfully produced a thick document on the history of Bernard Mizeki Guild in the Diocese of Grahamstown:

We humbly move an unopposed motion of observing a minute's silence, followed by a short prayer, in his memory.

Result

This motion was passed and a moment of silence was observed.

Agendum 7.                      Motion Regarding the Installation of Archdeacon Daniel Kgomotso

Proposer: Gift Ngwenya

Gift Ngwenya proposes that this synod writes a letter of congratulations to the new Bishop of Mpumalanga, Archdeacon Daniel Kgomotso.

Result

This motion was passed.

Agendum 8.                     Motion Regarding Further Theological Education and Training

Proposer:          Reverend Simphiwe Silwana

Seconder:          Reverend Noeleen Arends

This Synod, noting

1.       the pressing need to train, retain and/or support the growing number of stipendiary and non-stipendiary clergy in our diocese

2.       the minimum requirement for ordination;

Recommends that

1.       The Bishop encourage further theological education and training among the clergy

2.       Funding be made available for clergy who wish to continue their theological studies – whether they be stipendiary or non-stipendiary

Subject to

1.       Satisfactory performance in parochial work and responsibilities, as well as demonstrated progress or potential in further education and training and the availability of resources at all relevant times

2.       The  condition being, among others, people should get assistance for a specified course;

3.       Each candidate make an undertaking to repay the money if he or she does not finish the course and spent in the diocese the number of years that the person has been helped.

4.       Candidates being accepted at a reputable institution

Result

This motion was passed.

Agendum 9.                     Motion Regarding Social Behaviour During Mass Action Demonstrations

Proposer:          Mavis Brown

Seconder:          Reverend James Rusch

This Synod, noting that

1.       There have been many strikes and demonstrations in our country of late.

2.       Some of these mass actions have resulted in or been accompanied by, anti-social behaviour such as intimidation, blocking of roads,  damage to personal and public property (including buildings, trains and vehicles), littering and looting

3.       such anti-social behaviour is counter-productive and against church principles

Believes that

1.       There are deep-seated social needs that must be addressed

2.       people have the right to lawful demonstrations and strikes

Expresses its concern

1.       Over this anti-social behaviour

Recommends that

1.       Parishes should be understanding of people's grievances, but should urge their communities to be law-abiding and not give way to counter-productive, anti-social and destructive acts.

Result

This motion was passed.

Agendum 10.                 Motion to Receive the Bishop's Charge

Proposer:          Reverend  R. Jolobe

Seconder:          Canon P. Mtuze

This Synod

1.       Having listened to the Diocesan Bishop delivering his charge to the Diocese during the Synod Eucharist which took place from 18:00 on 20 April 2010.

2.       Gives thanks to God for enlightening our Bishop, assured that God will give the means of achieving that which he to under his power at the appropriate time

Resolves

To receive this charge and incorporate it into the papers of this synod.

Result

This motion was passed.

Agendum 11.                   Motion Regarding the Establishment of Three New Parishes

Proposer:          Reverend R. Jolobe

Seconder:          Canon P. Mtuze

Noting that

Three parishes have been established by the Diocesan Bishop in terms of Canon 23 part 5. These parishes are:

1.       St Paul's, Zeleni

2.       St. Andrews, Ginsberg

3.       St. Luke's,

Expresses

Deep gratitude and praises to God that parishes can and are multiplying and

Ratifies

1.       The existence of these parishes

2.       The incorporation of those parishes into the Diocese of Grahamstown

Results

This motion was passed.

Agendum 12.                 Motion Regarding the Formalisation of the Bishop's Vision

Proposer:          Reverend R. Jolobe

Seconder:          Canon P. Mtuze

This Synod, having heard the Bishop express his vision which is articulated in Matthew 28:19-20:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Envisions

1.       The Diocese of Grahamstown Centre for Servant Ministry and Social Services

2.       The Diocese of Grahamstown College for Pilgrims

3.       A state-of-the-art college and hospitality centre.

4.       Making disciples, teaching, baptising, sending disciples into the whole world.

5.       The elders and teachers of the Diocese training the youth to minister and together implementing a college curriculum of spirituality, family life and evangelism where churches and diocese from around the world can receive instruction in servant ministry, human services, ethics and morality and internships in community outreach. Bringing people from around the world to interact, learn how to minister to the poorest of the poor. Where all Christians in the Diocese teach hospitality and lay ministry.

This time in history is very important, having left behind the burden of Apartheid and practising to live in harmony. This is something to teach the world.

Result

This motion was passed.

Agendum 13.                 Motion Regarding Substance Abuse

Proposer:          Reverend M. Sixaba

Seconder:          Noncedo Ntlali

This Synod, noting

1.       The sale of illegal drugs is increasing rapidly

2.       The age at which children start using drugs is getting lower

3.       There is a direct link between drug sales and human trafficking

4.       There is a link between drug abuse, alcoholism and domestic violence

5.       Programmes and services for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation are limited and access to these services are difficult, especially for rural communities

Resolves that

1.       All parishes initiate awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of substance abuse

2.       All parishes participate in and support programmes that seek to address substance abuse

3.       The school adoption initiative should include awareness regarding substance abuse as one of its tasks

4.       Parishes should report on these tasks

Result

This motion was passed.

10.     Results of Synod Elections

	Clergy	Laity
Representatives on Provincial Synod	Dean Andrew Hunter Rev. Mzoxolo Doda Rev. Thami Mhlana	Noncedo Ntlali Nkosazana Maqoma Mmeli Sixaba Alternates: Anthony Fielding Thandi Lucas Brenda Amsterdam
Representatives on Provincial Standing Committee	Dean Andrew Hunter	Nkosazana Maqoma
The Advisory Committee	Rev. T Mhlana Rev. ES Williams Archdeacon W Fobosi Rev. C Webbstock	Lay Chairperson: Mr Bransby Hlongwana Lay Deputy Chair: Mrs M Hulley Representatives: Mrs Nontsikelelo Lubelwana Mr John Meecham Mrs N Lucas Mr Khumbulele Mnikina Alternates: Ms N Mafongosi Ms L Nyarashe Mr Anthony Fielding
Diocesan Council	Rev. B Wittstock Alternates: Rev. Z Dlanjwa Rev. Cynthia Webbstock Rev N Matshaya	Mrs Phumla Ndenze Mr B Hlongwana
Diocesan Trusts Board		Prof G Antrobus Mr B Hlongwana
Board of the Clergy and Dependants' Benevolent Fund	Rev L Nzwana Rev Nomakorinte Biko Rev R Goodfellow	Mrs M Hulley Mr Yili Mr Mmeli Sixaba
Department of Social Responsibility	Rev. NE Matshaya
HIV and AIDS	Rev. NE Matshaya Rev. T Phillip Rev. DL Ngqame	Ms. Hope Msumza
Department of Spirituality	Rev. Hazel Goodfellow Rev. Vanessa Murray
Department of Stewardship and Giving	Rev. NE Matshaya

11.       Reports

All reports were received by Synod and will be attached as addenda to these Acts and Resolutions.