Mazwi Tisani elected first Bishop of Ukhahlamba

The Bishops of the Anglican Church in Southern Africa have chosen the Right Revd Mazwi Tisani, Suffragan Bishop of Pretoria, to be the first Bishop of the new Diocese of Ukhahlamba. The Elective Assembly of the new Diocese, which met on 21 January, had failed to elect, and passed the choice to the Synod of Bishops which met in February.

Bishop Tisani is no stranger to this part of the world, having been Rector of St John and St Chad Zwelitsha, where he immediately preceded Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali.

The installation of the new Bishop will take place in Queenstown on 24 April.

Prayers are asked for Bishop Mazwi and his wife Zingi as they prepare for the move.

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Bishops from 20 countries attend course in Canterbury, UK

Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali was among nearly 30 recently consecrated Anglican bishops from some 20 countries who attended a course in Canterbury, England, from 26 January to 4 February 2010.

Bishop Ebenezer received a 90% scholarship to attend, and his diocese had only to pay for his air flights between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

He was delighted with the welcome and hospitality shown by the Canterbury hosts, as well as by the International Study Centre lecturers and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.

The course content included:

· The work of a bishop

· The life of a bishop

· The bishop as missionary

· Bible studies

· Archbishop Rowan’s experience of being a bishop

· Anglican Communion news

· Bishop and Family (by Mrs Jane Williams, wife of the Archbishop of Canterbury.)

New ACSA bishops also have to attend training courses in Cape Town.

Bishops must study too! The group in Canterbury with course leader Canon Dr Edward Condry (far left), and course administrator Cathy Martin (centre). Bishop David Bannerman (Highveld) is at far right.

Two new ACSA Bishops, Adam Taas from Lesotho and Ebenezer Ntlali from Grahamstown, meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, at Lambeth Palace in London.

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ACSA Bishops take moral stand

The Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa meeting in February called on national leaders to join with them in a process of “moral, spiritual and economic regeneration” in the face of the current “moral decay”. The full text of their statement has been sent to the clergy of this diocese. To read, click here.

The Bishops also issued a strong statement condemning an “anti-homosexuality” bill before the parliament of Uganda, which had proposed the death penalty. To read it, click here.

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Bishop Ebenezer writes….

Healing broken relationships

Dear People of God

Greetings my dear sisters and brothers! God is good and guided us through yet another period of Lent – a time of reflection and fasting. The Church has specifically set this season apart for us to slow down and to prepare for Easter, that wonderful period of repentance, hope and Easter celebration. However, we cannot have Easter without Lent.

Our Gospel Reading for the first Sunday of Lent is Luke 4:1-13: “ Jesus being tempted by the demon”. “Jesus full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was lead by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” (Lk 4:1-2 NRSV) Jesus was taken on a journey by the Spirit and on this journey, he was confronted by the demon.  During Lent we are invited by the Spirit to journey inwardly and listen carefully as the Spirit gently leads us to confront those hidden demons in us. Pray and ask God’s guidance in identifying areas where we need to grow. As “The Body of Christ”, are we united through the love of Jesus Christ? In our time of reflection, we need to take time to be thankful for what we have and for those who stand next to us in the body of Christ, even if we do not always agree on issues in our Church or the world. 

There are families with broken relationships – where brother and brother or sister and sister, or parents and children do not talk to each other. In some cases we cannot even remember why and how the argument started, but we keep that demon close to our hearts and continue to feed it. There are parishes where members do not talk to each other but receive communion at the same table.

Lent is a time when one needs seriously to pray about these broken relationships, because as Anglicans we believe in the Trinity which is community, and is all about relationships – Three in One. So my dear Sisters and Brothers as we approach the end of Lent entering the passion week and Easter, let us remember to join hands standing side by side and remembering Leonardo Boff in his book Jesus Christ the Liberator (1987: p 121) when he says that, because he rose from the dead, Jesus possesses a decisive significance for us. In this lies the central nucleus of Christian faith. Because of the fact of Resurrection we know that life and meaningless death now have a meaning. A door was opened for us to an absolute future and an ineradicable hope penetrated the human heart.  If he, in truth, arose, then we will follow him and “all men will be brought to life in Christ” (1 Cor 15: 20, 22).

On Easter Day the Diocesan Family will join other Christians all over the world and shout that “the Lord is risen, alleluia!” May you throughout the Diocese be renewed and filled with the spirit of the Resurrection for a united witness in Christ.

+Ebenezer

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Holy Cross Church helps needy children

By Mmeli M. Sixaba

On 17 January 2010 Holy Cross Church in Mdantsane, East London, through the Makukhanye Project and the Mothers’ Union, presented much-needed school requisites to two groups of deprived children in the form of school uniforms and bags.

A group of children from the Makukhanye HIV/AIDS Project, an initiative of Holy Cross Church that assists orphans and vulnerable children, was presented with backpack school-bags containing lunch-boxes. The other group, from the Phakamile Primary School in Mdantsane, was  presented with brand-new uniforms by the Mothers’ Union.

The Rector, Archdeacon Thami Mhlana, blessed the donations, and in thanking the donors spoke about caring and giving, and the vital role that this ministry plays in the life of a Christian and the Church. These gifts were presented to the children by Mrs Noyakhe Ngebulana of Makukhanye and Mrs Dolly Oliphant of the Mothers’ Union. The principal of the Phakamile Primary School, Mrs Skolpati, thanked the church for the kindness and generosity of its congregation and organizations.

A month later the National African Federated Chambers of Commerce (NAFCOC) donated more backpacks  for those children who had not received at the earlier allocation. NAFCOC was represented by Mrs Mercy Mini, who also donated R1,000 towards lunch for the children. She challenged the congregation to augment the donation, and they responded by collecting an additional R800.

Wide-eyed,  children from Makukhanye Project wait to receive their gifts. With them are (l-r): Mrs Noyakhe Ngebulana; Deacon David Ngqame; Archdeacon Thami Mhlana; Lay Ministers N Simani and Tsepo Moletsane.

Makukhanye HIV/AIDS Project was also the recipient of a Merit Award from the Billion Group of Companies – the developers of Hemmingway’s and Mdantsane City shopping Malls in East London – as the Charity of the Year, in recognition of the valuable contribution the project is making in the care of children.

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Tshwaranang friends hand out wheelchairs

By Zolile Ntlale

In response to a request by the Tshwaranang  Centre in Queenstown, 20 wheelchairs were handed over at the Centre in February by members of the Episcopal Relief and Development Board.

Tshwaranang has been inundated with requests for wheelchairs. Although this kind of work falls outside their mandate, they felt morally bound to assist God’s people. It is common knowledge that wheelchairs are expensive and therefore out of reach for people living on state grants. Tshwaranang and its associate, HOPE Africa, approached Episcopal Relief and Development for a donation to purchase wheelchairs. The members gladly agreed to donate 20 wheelchairs.

At the handing over on 12 February 2010, Cllr Breakfast of the Local Municipality thanked the American delegation and went on to say that the donation would change the lives of the beneficiaries.

On behalf of the board, Mrs Jill Oettinger said her organization was responding to calls by Tshwaranang Centre that there were people in need of wheelchairs. She went on to say that they were happy to come and witness the smiles on the faces of those they have tried to help.  

The gift of mobility: Some of those who benefited from the wheelchairs, with Tshwaranang staff and members of the USA-based Episcopal Relief & Development Board.

Eight-year-old Luvo Ntantiso, one of the recipients. His grandmother has been carrying him on her back since he was two years old. She was very excited by the donation and said: “Words are not enough to describe how the wheelchair is going to change the life of my grandchild. The newly acquired mobility is going to bring back … freedom of movement. The wheelchair will also bring an end to isolation and usher in a chance for a humane life and better future. The donors have fulfilled my greatest wish.”

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Grahamstown Canon in UK for Anglican-Methodist international talks

Lulama Ntshingwa, Chief Executive Officer of Capraway, the diocesan development company, had the honour of preaching in a Methodist chapel in Bristol, UK, where John Wesley preached.

The occasion was a meeting of the Anglican-Methodist International Commission (AMICUM) in February, which took place near Bath.

Preaching in Lent, Canon Ntshingwa emphasised that this is a time to focus not on what we want, but on “what God wants us to do”.

Ntshingwa reported that the Commission was “impressed with the work of the [Southern African] Church Unity Commission especially around the inter-changeability of clergy.”

The next AMICUM meeting is to take place in Cape Town in February 2011.

In the footsteps of John Wesley, members of the AMICUM group pose on the stairs and pulpit of the historic chapel in Bristol. Canon Ntshingwa is 3rd from the top, on the right.

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Anglican Women's Fellowship reaches out to a school

By Kokela Siqendu

On 25 January 2010, the Chaplain of AWF, Simphiwe Magxwalisa, conducted a prayer service for  Ntsonkotha SSS learners. He was accompanied by AWF members of East London Archdeaconry, in the presence of the Inspector of Education, the Principal and educators. Magxwalisa appealed to the learners to stay away from drugs and cling to God, knowing that they are chosen by God to lead the nation when that time comes. He said that they must remember that their bodies are God’s temple. The joy and hope was written on their faces. After that AWF members handed over stationery items to the adopted learners of AWF and a cheque for school fees.

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Cynthia Webbstock instituted as Rector at St Saviour's

By Bill Gould

At a combined service of both its congregations on Sunday, 7 March 2010, Bishop Ebenezer instituted Canon Cynthia Webbstock as Rector of St Saviour’s, East London.

The Bishop, attended by his Chaplain, George van der Merwe, and Pumzile Mpumlwana, Archdeacon of East London Central, spoke about the responsibilities of a rector as a spiritual leader and cure of souls, using as his text the passage from John 21 in which Jesus questioned Peter three times about his love for Him. And Jesus’ instruction to him, every time Peter reaffirmed his love for the Lord, was to tend His flock.

Bishop Ebenezer led the new Rector to the font, to the lectern and to the pulpit before coping her and then placed her in her stall within the choir.

Canon Webbstock, who previously served at St Peter’s, Sidbury, arrived at St Saviour’s on Advent Sunday 2009 after spending that year at the College of the Transfiguration in Grahamstown.

Here is your Rector!  The Bishop, with his Chaplain the Revd George van der Merwe, the Revd Zamile Dlanjwa and Canon Webbstock’s mother and brother-in-law, presents the new Rector to St Saviour’s congregation.

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From the Department of Spirituality

Circumcision or no Circumcision?

By  Nelson Yapi

This article appeared in the October-November, 2009 Umbuliso predominantly in isiXhosa and I now give its English version.

The performance of male puberty rituals designed to mark the rite of passage nowadays poses enormous problems and health hazards such as botched circumcisions, penile amputations, permanent disabilities and death of initiates. Does it serve any good purpose as hoped for hitherto?

I am sick and tired of listening to a sustained lamenting over the death of initiates which is a yearly occurrence. Of course, I am well aware of attempts and efforts made to put a stop to this carnage. But and until whose son must be in the list of the dead in order to come up with an alternative effort? Must we keep strictly to this custom regardless of all else as long as my son or that of my blood relative has not died? Somebody once suggested that an old custom which does not serve its original good purpose should be done away with. Then if circumcision is not done away with, what happened to a similar custom which used to be done to girls when they reach early adolescence?

I fully agree that in the olden days circumcision was not only recognized because of the skill of using the spear but also and most importantly the targeted objective was the outcome of the teachings which used to last several months. During all that period the initiates would be staying in their huts built far away from their homes, on the mountains and secluded areas. They would be taught by their well chosen famous guardians and mentors with an unblemished record on social issues. Lessons went around issues of how to live good and successful life by hunting, farming, fighting in times of war, defending their land from foreign invaders, maintaining human dignity, showing respect to their chiefs, and the like. Even when they graduated from their initiation schools and returned home they would keep away from gatherings of non-initiated boys.

Where would one find all these good procedures and teachings in the context of modern times? What good do the few who survived the turmoils of the present day initiation rituals bring home as new experience? They were away for a very short space of time in their temporary initiation huts, put in the neigbourhood of their homes. There was no absolute seclusion. Indeed even when they come back home, they mix with non-initiated boys in the same academic schools, learning same subject matter for the one and the same career fields of employment. If it is carpentry, they do the same together. If it is playing whatever game, they play the same together and be in the same team with boys.

What then are the scriptures saying to Christians about circumcision? The act of circumcision was there as far back as the days of Abraham and Moses whereupon God gave them an instruction that every baby boy must be circumcised when he is eight days old (Gen. 17:12a; Lev. 12:3). That practice is also affirmed in the New Testament (Luke 1:59;2:21). But St Paul criticizes the idea of boasting about physical circumcision. To him true circumcision is not a physical thing (Rom.2:26-29;3:1b). It is for this reason that he comes to a conclusion that “  ...when we are in union with Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor the lack of it makes any difference at all; what matters is faith that works through love” (Gal. 5: 6).

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The blind man with a church in his house: a story from the mountain-top

By Patrick L Walaza

Ukhahlamba Diocese is named after the huge mountains that are facing Lesotho, well noticed in winter when covered by snow. It has an Archdeaconry called Sterkspruit where there is St Michael’s and All Angels Parish. In this Parish there is a small chapelry right up on the mountains called St Cyprian at Danger's Hoek. When you pass Danger's Hoek you get to KwaNomlengana. Only Land Rovers are used there, and when it is raining one can only use a horse as a mode of transport.

This remote corner of the Diocese is a challenge to the new Bishop and his team, because it has a congregation that is growing up there. There is an old man Mr David Mokharanyana, who resides there. He is a lay-minister, and a member of St Bernard Mizeki Guild, who loves the Anglican Church. Unfortunately he has lost his sight and he is ageing, but he is still a staunch member of our church.

On 27 December 2009 the I went up there to celebrate the Eucharist for him, only to find out that there were other Church members staying there. They had children who were still un-baptized because of the distance to the nearest church (St Cyprian) which is about 8 km from their place.

These people come to Ntate David's home on Sundays for service. He does his best to worship with them despite his blindness. They are joined by members of other denominations sometimes. Ntate David uses one of his huts to accommodate church services. As the Priest looking after this part of the Parish, I felt I must follow up by visiting these people. Thus on the said date I went there with two amakrwala whom I met at the initiation school. Because of their names I told them that I cannot afford to leave them outside the church.

On that day I asked the old man to prepare all these children for Baptism on 31 January 2010. Ntate David did that successfully, and on that day I baptized nine children there.

When you want to tour Ukhahlamba Diocese don't miss this part of the country. It is so interesting because of its mountains and the history that you can get from Ntate David. Nobody can believe that the place used to be the short cut for the ancient people when riding or walking to Mt Fletcher.

The Danger’s Hoek congregation with the old man sitting in the middle flanked by the two new initiates. On his right is Luntu Dlokolo (surely how can one leave Unyana Woluntu outside the church?), and on his left is Sivenkosi (in the Eucharistic prayer we say: sive Nkosi elungileyo.)

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God’s work is alive at St Mark’s Kenton (Albany Archdeaconry)

By Bill Gould

God is at work in the far-flung corners of Grahamstown Diocese, at St Mark’s Chapelry, Kenton in the Albany Archdeaconry.

On Sunday, 31 January 2010, a vibrant service led by Rev Themba Phillip saw the admission of Mrs Nomncinci Gladys Daweti to membership of the Mothers’ Union while the amadodana also held their annual mjikelo to raise funds for their year’s work and in preparation for celebrating Bernard Mizeki, martyr, Day on 18 June.

The admission of Mrs Daweti is wonderful testimony to the open arms of the church guilds in accepting members irrespective of age and circumstance. Mrs Daweti, who is 69 years old, is mute and partially deaf. She shared her great day with her family including her twin grand-daughters.

All-inclusive: Nomncinci Daweti is welcomed into the MU of St Mark’s Kenton by priest Themba Phillip and the members.

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Letter to the Editor:

A moral challenge for 2010

From Immanuel Ngubo

On the road to Emmaus (Lent), like the two gentleman in Luke 24:13-35 I felt the presence of Jesus Christ and thanked God for the opportunity. My role is to lead the people of God beyond Lent (Emmaus) and to all seasons. 2010 needs Christians with good morals, and youth who can stand against peer pressure. Soccer World Cup challenges need disciplined, men Bishop Ngewu preached about, [see back page] who are prepared to make a difference. Handle others with your heart and yourself with your head, even those will come for the World Cup and fellow congregation.

We are a Christian state. At all times we must always show the Christian values and portray Jesus’s love in a trouble world. Our life time will be audited by our response in the challenges that we are facing as children of God. At all times we must invite Christ to be among us and value His presence.

Fellow Christians, we are still on the journey, those in journey always prepared for it and have instruments prepared for. Prepared for it spiritual, emotional and physiological, let us not forget to invite the Holy Spirit.

If God is on our side really who can be against us? World Cup or no World Cup, we must not remove ourselves from the boat of Jesus Christ.

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AIDS Ministries

In-service training for Alice Child and Youth Care Workers

By Heidi Schmidt and Monica Vega

Nine of the Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCWs) based at the Alice Isibindi have begun a course at Kululeka in Queenstown. They are studying for a Level 4 FET qualification in Early Childhood Development.

Since 22 February, they have been attending the course for one week of each month, returning to their communities in Alice to implement what they have learned with the Isibindi families, focusing on child, sibling and granny-headed households. This process will take one and a half to two years in total. Alice is the pilot programme in the country for this new component of Early Childhood Development.

They love to care: Part of the 24-member team of Child and Youth Care Workers in Alice, with visiting mentors from the National Association of Child and Youth care Workers, attending the annual staff appraisals.

Upgrading skills: Some of the Alice CYCWs who are undergoing in-service training.

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Highlights from the Isibindis

By Heidi Schmidt and Monica Vega

A bad secret shared

Last year, Pheliwe, one of the Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCWs), noticed 10-year-old Thandi “walking funny” while playing, and appearing suddenly more withdrawn. Pheliwe decided to spend time with Thandi, and took a doll to play with her. Thandi took the doll and placed her in a drawer, closing the doll inside. Pheliwe asked why she put the dolly in the drawer, and Thandi said that was where she would be safe. And there the door was opened and the conversation began. Through therapeutic play, professional observation, and trusting relationship Thandi slowly revealed to Pheliwe her rape by two different men.

Why do I share this as a highlight? It’s because that’s how Pheliwe sees it. Pheliwe reported the case to supervisors, police, and social services. Thandi was placed in a caring foster home, where she remains to this day. Pheliwe accompanied Thandi to a weeklong child protection camp where she received professional therapy with many other children sharing similar stories. She was no longer alone, burdened with this tragic secret, and could begin the long process of healing.

Pheliwe was able to use her knowledge and skills as a CYCW to change Thandi’s life, and turn tragedy into a sparkling moment. Now Thandi can begin to heal her wounds, and play, a little lighter from the heavy weight she was carrying, as Pheliwe and many others are there to share her load.

An honest young man

Another sparkling moment comes from Thulani from Ilinge, an 18-year old in grade 12 who boards in a school in Adelaide. Thulani had been to the post office, and when he returned to school, he realized he was given R100 too much in change. He immediately went back to the post office and returned the R100. When the post-master found out what happened, he went straight to the school principal to tell him about this honest young man from his school. And the principal called us to say how proud they are to have such a fine young man in their school. Simply “thank you”, he said. These stories don’t make the front page of newspapers. I’m sure Thulani is well versed in fraud and corruption from the daily news on the radio and in the newspapers. He even had his foster grant cut last year and has no income, so certainly the money could have been used. But he gave it back without hesitation, did the right and honest thing. And if you ask him, it was “no big deal” and is quite embarrassed by the fuss. It is a big deal, especially in such a culture of greed, corruption and entitlement. Well done, Thulani, for not taking the easy road, for choosing responsibly, and for being a role model to us all. 

Graduation

On a final note of highlights, Pumi, CYCW and supervisor from Alice, will graduate from Fort Hare University 8 May with a BA in Social Sciences and Communication. She began this process in 1993, 17 long years ago, and with much self sacrifice, heart-break, sweat, hard work, courage, and perseverance, she will receive her diploma and reach this goal. Pumi, you are an inspiration! Congratulations!

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Umbuliso uyakubulisa

125 years of St Andrew's Prep

Umbuliso greets St Andrew’s Prep School, with warm congratulations on their 125th anniversary. On 29 January the occasion was marked by a procession from the school to Church Square. The entire school took part, led by the St Andrew’s College pipers. Here the St Andrew’s Prep Marimba Band is seen adding to the fun as they play on the back of a truck, decorated with blue balloons.

Guild leaders gather at Bishopsbourne

By Immanuel Ngubo

On Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2010, Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali invited guild leaders to his home for a brief session and Eucharist service. In his sermon he encouraged today’s leaders to stay on course and stay on the truth. He questioned popular leaders who always go with the masses and forget God’s work and mission. 21st century leaders must be exemplary and lead with dignity.

Welcome to new Clergy

Kolekile Ntwanta has arrived in Fort Beaufort to take over at St John’s and Holy Trinity, and Mzwandile Seku has retired to Grahamstown. Both come from the Diocese of Mthatha. 

Mother's Union retreat

The leadership of the Mothers’ Union of the Diocese began the year with a Retreat together at Hillandale. Noncedo Ntlali, President, is 3rd from left.

Birth of a new Diocese

On 16 July 2010, our neighbouring diocese, Mthatha, is to give birth to a new diocese, to be called the Diocese of Mbashe. The Cathedral for the new diocese is to be All Saints’ Church in Ngcobo, with the Diocesan Office in Butterworth.

Bernard Mizeki Provincial Council meets in Kokstad

By Immanuel Ngubo

The Provincial Council of the Guild of Bernard Mizeki met in Kokstad on 20 February 2010. In his sermon Bishop Ngewu, Bishop of Umzimvubu, urged members of the Guild to be different. He reminded his hearers that Bernard Mizeki died for our Lord and our badge refers to his painful death. To men in the 21st century, Bernard Mizeki holds a bright light to the traditional perspectives of the past. Bishop Ngewu urged  that discipline should be the corner-stone of our programme and our humanity, on our journey as Christians. Holy retreat was encouraged, especially with our families.

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For the Bishop's engagements after July, click here.

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