A visit by the Archbishop of Cape Town to St Matthew’s Mission brought new hope to the mission’s historic school, as he unfolded a plan for its restoration, among other mission schools, which was endorsed, with the promise of financial support, by the Cabinet of the Eastern Cape.

Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana of the Ethiopian Episcopal Church, Archdeacon Ebenezer Ntlali, Bishop Thabo Makgoba and the Archbishop of Cape Town Njongonkulu Ndungane met in Bhisho with the Eastern Cape cabinet led by the Premier, Nosimo Balindlela on 25 April. The Archbishop presented the “Mission Schools Project”, which was accepted with acclaim. The Provincial cabinet nominated the MECs for Education and Arts and Culture to work with the Archbishop to ensure the success of the project, and to identify other schools in the Eastern Cape which should be included. The Finance MEC, Billy Nel, assured Archbishop Ndungane that resources would be found by the Province, because this was a key project which could involve government, business, and civil society. The Archbishop was thanked for this initiative, which he had taken in conjunction with the national Minister of Arts and Culture, Pallo Jordan.

The following day there was a meeting at St Matthew’s Keiskammahoek, where the hall was packed with students, teachers, clergy, members of the community and the school’s governing body (SGB). The Archbishop’s address to them was met with joy. It was agreed that the diocesan Department of Social Responsibility, the local municipality, the school principal and the SGB were to carry the process forward. The aim is to renovate the old school buildings and initiate a project by which St Matthew’s will be a centre of excellence focussing not only on academics, but also on useful skills that will empower people and address poverty.

Glad tidings: Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane (right) with Archdeacon Ebenezer Ntlali and Bishop Thabo Makgoba, and pupils at St Matthew’s School.

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Bishops approve formation of new Diocese

The Synod of Bishops of the ACSA, meeting in May, unanimously agreed to the principle of the multiplication (division) of the Diocese of Grahamstown into North and South.

They also agreed:

· That the north can be joined permanently to the portion of Free State, pending Free State’s decision at their Synod in August. This move is not dependent on whether the Free State Synod approves or disapproves. (A “no” vote by Free State is not anticipated.)

· That this area be a Diocese and not a Missionary Area, given its resources, potential and the resources that Free State and Grahamstown have pledged to make available to this new area.

· That we should review the name Emmanuel. The Bishops asked the diocese to go back to the drawing board and look at the other names that were proposed, for example Gariep, Ukhahlamba etc, which refer to the geographical area.

· That the following be our reference team on behalf of the Synod of Bishops: Bishops Martin Breytenbach (St Mark’s), Bethlehem Nopece (Port Elizabeth), and Rubin Phillip (Natal).

Diocesan Synod to meet on 8 September

The Chapter of the Diocese of Grahamstown, meeting on 15 May, received this report with excitement. Bishop Thabo has announced that he will be summoning another Synod this year, to meet on 8 September 2007 in East London, to give feedback to the Synod and to receive the work that will have been done between now and then. This final report will be tabled at the Synod of Bishops on 21 – 22 September 2007.

The move to form a new Diocese arises from a joint initiative of the dioceses of Grahamstown and Free State, and a motion passed by the Synod of the diocese of Grahamstown in February this year.

Time frame, 2007

May: Appointment of various committees

June/July: Reports from these committees

August : Chapter to discuss these reports and formulate a report for Synod

August: Report to Bishops’ Reference Team and to Free State Synod

8 September Diocesan Synod

22 September Report to the Synod of Bishops

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Bishop Thabo writes….

The Anglican way and social justice

Dear People of God

Many books attempt to define who we are as Anglicans, but they are not all that accessible to most Anglicans. The issue of human sexuality recently led to conflict and the threat of schism. The Archbishop of Canterbury responded by appointing a task group on Theological Education for the Anglican Communion (TEAC). TEAC amongst other tasks was asked to define the “Anglican Way”, and offered the following helpful hallmarks:

· our distinctive historical origin,

· our praxis informed by dynamism

· disciplined spirituality

· rhythmic contemplation and critical engagement with sacred texts,

· the sacrament, celebrated communally through liturgy and hymnody

· our commitment to mission and evangelism and balanced pastoral care,

· acknowledging the need to be involved in God’s world in a Trinitarian manner and ecumenically_.

In seeking to live out these aims, global Anglicanism has been robust in its involvement in social justice issues and in works of mercy. This involvement is not about proselytising others, but it grows out of a deep concern and vocation to live out our Christology and Trinitarian theology in God’s world.

When faced with HIV-positive people, ravaged by opportunistic diseases, living in abject poverty, as Anglicans we weep because Christ weeps for those so affected, and because of the call in Micah 6:8, which reminds us of what the Lord requires of us. We engage in advocacy to relieve those affected, and we courageously “speak the truth to power”, at great cost. We feed those affected, care for the dying, challenge stigma, feed the orphaned, whilst remaining faithful to the biblical teaching of no sex outside marriage. We challenge those who commit rape and incest, and yet are bold to challenge the infected and affected to be faithful. We are pragmatic in providing condoms to the sexually active. These interventions and prevention programmes, informed by our self-understanding and spirituality, have set us apart from our fellow Christians and in certain instances have sadly broken cherished ecumenical bonds, for we need each other.

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest HIV/AIDS related infections coupled with malaria, TB, XDR, human trafficking, unemployment and other painful socio-economic legacies left by our colonisers in Africa. The rate of HIV infections is not going down, but rather is increasing. Although Uganda reports some significant improvement, this is not typical of the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa. We need more than before to act together in reducing the infection rate, in challenging the pharmaceutical companies on patency issues and pricing, and supporting agencies that are assisting in this battle.

However, on the positive side: the level of awareness is high, the levels of stigmatisation are lower and the ease of self disclosure is high. These indicate that as scientists work for an intervention, communities hear the message, governments provide facilities for medication and testing, the situation may turn around and the millennium development goal of reducing the rate of infection may be attained. Therefore as Anglicans committed to an incarnational triune God who is Trinitarian and who upholds the sanctity of life, let us not tire of helping where we can. No intervention is too big nor too small to bring relief to God’s people who are desperately needing to hear the resurrection hope.

May God bless you.

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St Gregory’s supports children’s home

By A Mdingi

The St Gregory Health, Welfare and HIV/ AIDS Project has been collecting clothes and books for Masizakhe Children’s Home in Mdantsane for the past three years, and handing them over in the first quarter of each year. They also hold concerts, with the proceeds going into the kitty for a Christmas party for these children.

The picture shows the collection for 2007 handed in on the 14th March. Standing are (from left to right) two members from St Gregory F Mbatha and A Mdingi, with officials from Masizakhe: L Lusizi an administrator, Rachel Henden assistant administrator from New Zealand, and Pumela Bani a senior child care worker.

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Human Rights Day in Zwelitsha Parish

Zwelitsha parish celebrated Human Rights Day on 21 March with a variety of projects.

Members of the Bernard Mizeki Guild painted the church boundary wall, the Youth of the Archdeaconry held a Retreat

and the MU of the Archdeaconry presented gifts of clothing to the orphans of Ncedisanani Project at Tshatshu Village outside Zwelitsha.

Lizo Sokopo, a recently ordained Deacon in Zwelitsha, was admitted to the Bernard Mizeki Guild of the parish on 25 March.

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New church in Lady Frere parish

Sandile Mholonto, Priest-in-Charge of Lady Frere, is seen with his wife and some parishioners of St Phillips, one of the congregations of the parish, outside the new church they have built alongside the main road. The parish consists of 18 congregations which they are planning to organise into three groupings.

However, the area has 48 villages, which presents them with the challenge of developing ministry in the other 30. This new church is roughly 50 kilometres from Queenstown, and there is no visible Anglican presence in between.

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Obituary: Sister Joyce Mary CR

The death of Sister Joyce Mary in May came as a shock to the Community of the Resurrection in Grahamstown, as she had not been sick. In fact she had said Compline with the Sisters the evening before suffering a massive stroke from which she never recovered.

Born Joyce Davenport in 1924, in Essex, England, she trained as a secretary but served during the second world war in the Women’s Royal Navy Service (WRNS). She joined the CR Sisters soon after she moved to be with her parents in the then Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) in 1949, and made her Final Profession in 1957, just over 50 years ago. The Community made good use of Sr Joyce’s secretarial skills, and she also served as House Sister in schools in Bulawayo. Active to the last, Sr Joyce could always be relied on to give the note for the hymns in the Sisters’ Chapel. May she rest in peace.

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ASF Organiser weds in East London

By Masande, ASF Media

Projects Officer

Odwa Gonya, the face of Anglican Students Federation (ASF), tied the knot with Bulelwa Gobe on 28 April 2007 at St Saviour’s in East London. The ASF Provincial Chaplain, Fr Russel Blassoples, travelled from the Western Cape to officiate at the marriage. Guests came from as far as Swaziland, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Western Cape and Limpopo, and included personnel from HOPE Africa and the Anglican AIDS office (Siyafundisa).

Odwa and Bulelwa grew up in the Eastern Cape. As a young man, Odwa had a dream of becoming a good leader. He started building his leadership qualities at Port Rex high school, going on to Cape Peninsula University of Technology (then Pen-tech) where he served as a General Secretary of Anglican Students Society (ANSOC). As a student, he also served as ASF regional Chairperson of the Western Cape region two consecutive years; he was elected unopposed as 43rd ASF president. Currently Odwa is an ASF organizer for the Anglican Church of Southern Africa. As for his wife, Bulelwa served the Anglican Church as AYF (Anglican Youth Fellowship) Secretary to the Diocese of Cape Town, then later as a Treasurer of AYF at St Cyprian’s in Langa. She is currently an Electrical Technician by profession, and also a businesswoman.

Setting sail for married life: Odwa and Bulelwa Gonya at their wedding reception at Latimer’s Landing, East London.

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Tshwaranang News

By Noelene Arends and Zolile Ntlale

Help for vulnerable children

The fundraising division, headed by Revd Mimi Apleni, has engaged the local business people with the view of soliciting assistance for vulnerable children of Sada and Machibini.

Towards the end of April, she approached the Manager of Ackermans, a clothing retailer, and explained the disadvantages these children are facing. The manager responded by donating six boxes of clothes and further undertook to donate their redundant goods to the centre. Mr Ntlale personally thanked the Manager for the donation.

Candle-lit Memorial Service

Tshwaranang Centre in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, held a moving Candle-lit Service in memory of all those who died of HIV/AIDS.

The service was held at St Michael and All Angels, Queenstown, on 17 May (Ascension Day), a fitting day to remember those who have died. Between 150-200 people attended. Most of the government departments and all Tshwaranang community caregivers were present. Also present were the clergy of the Chris Hani Council of Churches and the Queenstown Ministers’ Fraternal. After an inspiring sermon by the Revd Qwabaza there was an emotional moment when eight of the caregivers disclosed their status.

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From the Department of Spirituality

African spirituality in contemporary liturgy

By Canon Nelson Yapi

Praise must be given for the tolerance of some glimpses of African Spirituality in our contemporary liturgy. This is proper transformation for the good of the church. Indeed there is literally no harm in praising the Lord and walking with Jesus in the spirit of dancing (ukuguya nokuhikiza; ukutyhuluba nokutyhatyha; ukutyityimba nokuxhentsa; ukugaja nokuteya; ukungqungqa nokuqgutsuba); clapping hands (ukuqhwaba izandla); with sticks (imisimbithi neminqayi) held in appraisal rather than fighting and in one’s traditional attire (izambatho zakwaNtu). Traditional praise singers (iimbongi zomthonyama) do form part and parcel of our Christian worship. One is free to recall and remember how some boys and girls sang meaningful praises when welcoming Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane to the Diocesan 150th year celebration at the Queenstown Sports Centre. And nothing happened to prove the contrary. May it also be noted that in their (African) special traditional ceremonies for the purpose of seeking goodness (kudede ubumnyama, kuvele ukukhanya) a drink made of “clean water “ from the Spring-wherever it may be found and however far away; is prepared and flavoured with medicinal herbs (ibhekile yobulawu).

Before they take a sip from it, a chance is given to whomsoever needs empowerment; is weak in spirit; has transgressed; or has received some blessings; luck or whatever. He must come forward, speak and be heard (ukucamagusha). The rest of the group will appreciate, encourage or give words of wisdom and share his experiences. And now I ask: would it be totally wrong to incorporate something similar to this in our service? This could be done during the preparation of the holy table. Let us plan for this and let God take the decision.

“And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the son of God.” (Eph.4: 13a).

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AWF news

New President for AWF

By Nomonde Mankahla

A new President, Kokela Siqendu was elected by the Anglican Women’s Fellowship of the Diocese of Grahamstown, at the AGM held on 14 April 2007 in Mdantsane at St Andrew’s Parish. She replaced Mrs Nomonde Mankahla whose four years of leadership have expired. The members of AWF thanked the outgoing President for the wonderful work she has done during her time of office together with her executive. The comprehensive report presented at the AGM showed the quality of work done in this Diocese, despite obstacles and challenges.

Nomonde Mankahla offered congratulations to the “newly elected young and dynamic president”.

In her reply speech, Kokela Siqendu emphasised that it should be our passion to please God in everything we do, to know Him better and to release the purposes of God in our world as we focus on the wonders of eternity.

She said that:

Our province has the highest child rape statistics, HIV/AIDS, disease and brokenness are becoming part of our everyday lives. It’s time for us to stand up and be counted.

It is my wish to see all of us dedicated and committed towards serving God. As your team leader, I’ll be counting on each one of you. Please show your talents and gifts and reach out to needy communities.

We must all work together to save our community and the Nation at large. We must continue with the outreach programs.

We must remain in Prayer, Service and Love.

Other office bearers elected were:

Deputy President: Ms Nolizwi Zibi

Secretary: Ms Cawekazi Mbalu

Treasurer: Ms Thandi Mayekiso.

Kokela Siqendu:

the All Saints’ connection

By Nomavaba Ndlabhu, Chairperson of All Saints’ AWF

The congregation at All Saints’ Orange Grove was full of excitement when the chairperson of their AWF branch, Nomavaba Ndlabhu, reported on the election of the new Diocesan AWF President, Kokela Siqendu. The new President hails from All Saints’ Church, and established the All Saints’ AWF in 2001 with two other ladies. She motivated the whole congregation to join in her first AWF project, visiting female inmates at Fort Glamorgan Prison and orphans at Makiwane Hospital and settlements. The All Saints’ AWF is continuing with this project. Some members are care-givers, and are working together with the All Saints’ Mothers’ Union. The Parish Council and congregation support the projects by collecting clothes and other donations for orphans at Orange Grove. A touching letter was received from one of the prison inmates, praising the AWF for helping her to realise that God loves and cares for her, and this was read out at the Diocesan AGM on 14 April.

James Rusch, Priest-in-Charge at All Saints, accepted the Diocesan Banners and congratulated Kokela Siqendu, new Diocesan President. He mentioned some of the projects of the AWF, and encouraged the congregation to grow together in commitment to doing God’s work, following the example of the AWF.

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AWF helps Hospice

By Thandiswa Mayekiso

The plight of those dying from AIDS has moved the Anglican Women’s Fellowship at St Philip’s East London to make regular donations to a local Hospice.

Samaritan Hospice is located in Pefferville, East London. It is not government subsidized and serves the worst impoverished communities of East London and outlying areas. St Philip’s AWF got to know about this institution late in 2003 when a relative of one of the members was admitted and passed away there. Seeing their plight and the good work done, the branch pledged to support the centre with food parcels and prayers on a quarterly basis. From 2004 to date the members have adhered to this pledge and continued to support the centre with the assistance of St Bernard Mizeki parish guild. They believe that with God’s mercy they will continue to be a support base for this institution and increase their donation.

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Clergy Wellness Conference

A conference for the clergy on “Wellness”, organised by the Department of Spirituality, took place on 7-11 May at St Alban’s East London. Archdeacon Erica Murray from Cape Town, who led the conference, challenged the clergy to consider their own emotional, mental and physical wellbeing at different points in their ministry. Those who attended were most enthusiastic, and spoke highly of Archdeacon Murray’s ability to get alongside the clergy rather than taking a “top-down” approach.

Erica Murray

Practical work was the order of the day at the Clergy Wellness Conference.

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Youth News

East London Retreat

By Immanuel Ngubo

The youth of the Greater East London Archdeaconry enjoyed a retreat, facilitated by the Revd W M Fobosi, on 14 April 2007 at St Andrew’s Church Mdantsane. Some 23 youth members attended. The informative retreat addressed a topic of concern to the youth: the meaning of holy Eucharist. Father Fobosi explained that by celebrating Holy Eucharist every time we have prayers or services we are following Jesus Christ’s instruction to “do this to remember me.” He outlined the broader history of the Eucharist and why we are an episcopal Church. He encouraged the youth to live for Jesus Christ, because the Anglican Church has been criticised as a waste of time in terms of our relationship with Jesus. His advice was: “always do your best in working for God all the time.” He encourage the youth to organize monthly bible studies to debate issues of concern, rather than running away with the idea that Anglicans are not “saved”. Holy Eucharist service was celebrated by Fr Fobosi, assisted by the youth chaplain Mr Immanuel B Ngubo.

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Herschel Youth Picnic

By Fuziswa Myeko

On 21 March the youth guild of Herschel/Sterkspruit had a picnic at Jozana Dam where they showcased their various talents. Headed by their chairperson Mrs Dayimane, about 60 youth guild members had a lot of fun for five hours. Some of the items rendered were: Tolobonya (Sotho dance), Drama around HIV/AIDS, Songs, Traditional games, Jokes, Education on HIV/AIDS and a briefing on Tshwaranang Resource Centre that will soon be extended to Sterkspruit. The activity ended with a big braai.

Two support groups were introduced to the youth: The Malikhanye Support Group of St Mary’s Parish and the Masakhane HIV/AIDS Prevention Programme of St Michael’s Parish. Our youth are devoted to HIV/AIDS programmes and are preaching Abstinence. The youth guild of Herschel/ Sterkspruit is trying hard to work for the church and giving hope to their parents that the Anglican Church will have future leaders.

The Herschel youth are planning to extend their activities to the whole of Aliwal North Archdeaconry. To the youth, the executive says, “the Missionary Diocese is to be established soon, so let us wake up and be ready to show Southern Free State youth that we are alive and vibrant”.

This way! Busiswa Malangabe, peer educator and member of Masakhanye, gives useful advice to the youth.

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New Honorary Canon: Lisa Nzukuma

Lisa Nzukuma, self-supporting Priest-in-Charge of St Peter’s Ezibeleni, was admitted as an Honorary Canon of the Cathedral at a Chapter meeting on 15 May. A priest for 23 years, Canon Nzukuma was in charge of Lady Frere parish whilst working as a school inspector. He came to Ezibeleni at a low point in that parish. As Bishop Thabo said, he proceeded to run the parish “with distinction, calm and a deep sense of High Church spirituality.” The incense and bells are part of vibrant worship. Recently he has been involved with the Isibindi project, using the St Peter’s Rectory for this social outreach HIV/ AIDS ministry. He is a committee member of Nondumiso Retreat Centre in Bholothwa, where he is to be Chaplain on his retirement.

A solemn moment as Bishop Thabo admits Lisa Nzukuma as a Canon.

New Honorary Canon, Lisa Nzukuma, seen with his wife Vivienne, a stalwart Mothers’ Union member and leader.

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Umbuliso uyakubulisa

Welcome

Umbuliso greets the Revd Percy Chinganga from Zimbabwe, joining the staff of the College of the Transfiguration. A warm welcome to him and his wife Tendai, daughter and son. Qualified in education as well as theology, Percy Chinganga will be lecturing in Christian Education.

For Prayer

Prayers are asked for the family of Mrs Kezia Ngodwane of Lady Frere, who died recently. She was the widow of the Revd Elijah Ngodwane.

Sympathy and prayers to Immanuel Ngubo, the lay youth chaplain of the Greater East London Youth Guild and his family, on the death of his brother Dumisane Ngubo in Mount Fletcher.

The wife of new Honorary Canon Lisa Nzukuma, Vivienne, has had a knee replacement and we pray for her healing.

Deacon Themba Mdedelwa from Queenstown and his wife Nomazwe were in an accident which wrote off their car. They give thanks that they themselves escaped without serious injury. Bishop Thabo also gives thanks for his escape from injury when his car hit a springbok.

Congratulations

To Linda Schwartz, Chaplain of DSG, on being awarded her MA in History at the recent Rhodes graduation.

To our Archbishop, Njongonkulu Ndungane, on the award of an honorary doctorate in Divinity by Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the USA.

Retired Namibian Bishop dies

James Kauluma, the former and longest-serving bishop of Namibia, died on 16 April at the age of 75.

Kauluma was greatly admired for his courage and determination on behalf of Namibia and her people. He served as the sixth Anglican Bishop of Namibia from 1981 to 1998 and led the church through the liberation struggle until the country’s independence in 1990.

Report: Episcopal News Service.

R1.5 m legacy for Diocese

A bequest in the will of the late Ruth Fismer (neé Little) has left the Diocese of Grahamstown R1.5 million richer. In terms of her Will, the money will be divided between the Clergy and Dependents’ Benevolent Fund and Training for Ministries.

Ruth Fismer was a parishioner at St Michael’s Nahoon and then at St John’s East London. A clinic nurse, she headed a group of women at St John’s known as SACKAN (Sew And Chatter, Knit And Natter) who produced clothes for the Kwashiorkor Centre at St Michael’s, St Matthew’s Children’s Home, and to send to Lesotho and Mozambique.

The Diocesan Administrator, James Hoyle, expressed delight with this bequest, and would like to encourage others to follow Ruth Fismer’s example and remember the Diocese in their Wills.

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From the Bishop’s Diary

June

9 Mon HOPE Africa AGM, Cape Town

12-14 Tu-Thu In Johannesburg

15 Fri DSG

July

1 Sun Festival Eucharist, Cathedral

17 Tue Executive, Trusts Board

18 Wed Biko-Bowcott Trust Board

21 Sat Southern Region Family Day

20-27 Fri-Fri In Spain for the Emmaus Walk

31 Tue Anglican House of Studies meeting

August

6 Mon Diocesan Finance Committee

7 Tue Chapter

Umbuliso is your diocesan newspaper!

Contributions welcome

Deadline for next issue: 20 July 2007

Please send news to:

P O Box 181, Grahamstown 6140

Tel: 046 622 7803

Fax: 086 685 3968

Please note change of fax number.

E-mail: umbuliso@diocesegrahamstown.co.za

Umbuliso is published by the Diocese of Grahamstown, edited by Maggy Clarke

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