Diocesan Synod meets in East London
The Synod of the Diocese of Grahamstown met at St Alban’s East London from 20-23 April 2010.
Synod is the main decision-making body of the Diocese, and meets approximately once in three years. All the licensed clergy attend Synod, as well as lay representatives from all the parishes, diocesan boards and organisations. Reports are received from the organisations and boards. These were printed in the Agenda papers, so the presentation need not take up too much time, and could be done in creative ways. The Mothers' Union made a big impression by putting their presentation on screen, part film and part Power Point display.
Spirit-filled: Vibrant worship was a feature of the 65th Session of the Synod of the Diocese of Grahamstown. Three overseas Anglican priests who attended as observers are shown above at the opening Eucharist: (l-r) Joan Anders and Jacquelyn Rowe from the USA and Peter Mallinson from Derby in the UK.
Bishop challenges with his Charge
At the opening Eucharist Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali delivered his first Charge to a Synod as Bishop of Grahamstown.
Extracts from the main points of this Charge
Girded with prayer
The worship was wonderful, with vibrant singing of the sort that makes it impossible to stand still, and it was not confined to the set morning Eucharists and Evening Prayer. At noon there was non-liturgical prayer, and worship songs or brief words of bidding punctuated the proceedings, not forgetting prayer before every single vote was taken for people to represent the Diocese on diocesan and provincial bodies.
Synod motions included:
The environment
After a passionate introduction by Canon Richard Wyngaard, who proposed the motion, the delegates committed their parishes to introduce "green" policies of water and electricity management, and recycling.
Polygamy
Synod resolved to uphold the teaching of the church that marriage is a lifelong and exclusive union between two partners, and to provide teaching and support to those about to marry, married people and those whose marriages have failed.
Human Trafficking
The Mothers' Union among other church bodies will be embarking on a campaign against human trafficking, an evil that seems to be increasing in the run-up to the World Cup.
Substance abuse
Two motions condemned alcohol abuse (appealing for better application of the existing licensing laws), and substance abuse in general. The diocese undertook to run an awareness campaign to educate young people about these dangers.
Human sexuality
It was agreed that a series of Clergy Schools should take place in the near future, to discuss the Windsor Report leading to the Anglican Communion's Covenant document, human sexuality with particular emphasis on same-sex orientation, and pastoral ministry to those in polygamous or same-sex relationships.
Circumcision schools
The members of Synod re-committed themselves to working to eradicate the abuses which occur at some initiation schools, both medical malpractice which sometimes results in amputation or death, and undesirable teaching which can lead young men to treat women with disrespect. This motion in its original form produced some heated discussion, but after Bishop Ebenezer had adjourned the session for tea, a new version was proposed which passed unanimously.
This was typical of the Synod, where the Holy Spirit was an ever-present reality, and no difference of opinion however sharp resulted in unkind language or a break in the fellowship.
A Vision
The Revd Peter Mallinson from Derby in the UK attended as an overseas Anglican observer, as did two women priests from the United States, Jacquelyn Rowe and Joan Anders, who said they had come to see whether the Holy Spirit was active in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa. Towards the end of the Synod Jacquelyn Rowe affirmed a vision of Bishop Ebenezer’s, for the foundation of a diocesan Centre for Servant Ministry and Social Services, with a college for pilgrims and hospitality centre. A Motion was passed to take the process forward to make this a reality.
Praise Him in the dance: On one evening the Synod was entertained by local East London church choirs, among them this one from Holy Cross, Mdantsane.
Smiling at the end of Synod, the admin. team: Marius Wium of Intengu Communications, who took the minutes, is seen with Nobuntu Mageza the Bishop's Secretary, Mzikazi Mfenyana the Clerical Secretary, Diocesan Administrator Zoleka Maqwili, and the Revd Margaret Fourie of Hogsback who kept the whole show going as Synod Manager.
From the Bishop’s Charge to Synod…The demands of God on the last Judgment Day
In the wonderful story in St Matthew’s Gospel (Matt 25:31-46), Jesus says there will be two groups of people on the last judgment day. One group will be called the “sheep” who follow and trust their Saviour Christ and who are meek and obedient. The other group will be the “goats” who are people that are belligerent, unruly and destructive (Hendrikson: p. 886-887).
The Judge Christ calls the Sheep and Goats to account in five areas: feeding him when he was hungry, giving drink when he was thirsty, welcoming him as a stranger, clothing him when naked, and visiting him when sick and in prison.
It is interesting to see that Jesus does not mention sinful deeds such as idolatry, murder, adultery, theft etc, but he mentions sins of omission (neglect). This neglect proves that these people have not believed in the Son of Man. For this they are condemned.
Gutierrez believes that love for God is unavoidably expressed through love of one’s neighbour. Moreover, God is love in the neighbour. The “neighbour” is not only a person viewed individually. It likewise refers to the exploited social class, the dominated people, and the marginalised. The masses are also our neighbour. Love for neighbour is seen to be in practice the same as love of God, whether the person being judged is aware or not. The Judge identifies himself with the victims who were helped or not helped. Whatever we do to any of them we do to God, as Jesus did.
In Leviticus your neighbour is your kinsman or kinswoman (Lev. 19:18). This can be extended to the stranger in your midst, (Lev. 19:34, Deut. 10:18-19) but certainly not to your enemies. Jesus extended the solidarity of kinship to the whole human race. We are called to be God’s presence in the world, and not to neglect the neighbour every minute of every day, otherwise we will be punished in the everlasting fire and be placed outside the wedding feast of the Lamb.
How can we seek to apply this to the Diocese of Grahamstown, Southern Africa and worldwide? To implement the Diocesan Vision and Mission, and Strategic Goals, we need to create a 10-year programme on each strategic goal, in the form of a business plan. As the church we are called to participate in God’s mission on earth (Missio Dei) and these are some of the areas which I believe need our attention.· Faith: We need to reflect a faith that will demonstrate the love of God, of neighbour and the environment which we live in, as revealed in Jesus Christ. Faith is our brand, it is what the Church is standing for.
· Education and Training: Our goal is that clergy may take pride in Priesthood and that laity may be equipped for service in the lay apostolate.
· Health: We need to guard against the neglect of God’s humanity in health issues.
· Land: It will be proper for us to join other initiatives that seek to grow crops and vegetables for food security. The land that cannot be used for agriculture can be used for Centres of Life: for conferencing, Bed and Breakfast, tourist attraction centres etc.
· Finance: Our goal is that through our income we maybe able to fund fully God’s mission, with well-remunerated Clergy and Staff.
I pray that we may be a Diocese that lives and demonstrates love for God, neighbour and environment, and that God may endow us with the mind of Christ, so as to be able to target the whole human race in our way of doing God’s mission.
Pentecost Ordination of Deacons
With twirling ribbons and dances, with toe-tapping marimba beats and roof-raising song, the Anglican Diocese of Grahamstown welcomed nine new Deacons.
The Cathedral of St Michael and St George was the setting for an ordination service on the morning of Saturday 22 May, at which the Bishop of Grahamstown, Ebenezer Ntlali, presided. In his sermon Andrew Hunter, Dean of Grahamstown, reminded the Deacons that like Isaiah they were called, and like Jesus they were there not to be served, but to serve.
The Cathedral Choir was joined by members of the choir of St Augustine's Grahamstown, the Cathedral marimba group played and the Cathedral dance group gave an offering of worship in dance.
Go forth into the world! Bishop Ebenezer leads out the new Deacons from the Cathedral at the end of the service: (l- r) Bukhosi Mabandla (partally obscured), Cathedral Churchwarden Geoff Brown (and a young friend), Bubele Mfenyana, Archdeacon Louis Flint, the Bishop's Chaplain George van der Merwe, Vic Graham, Siphokazi Njokweni (partially obscured), Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali, Nosisi Khotlo, Cathedral Alternate Churchwarden Paddy Tandy.
New Deacons
Vic Graham, (member of staff at COTT),COTT student Mzinzisi Dyantyi (licensed to assist at the Cathedral)
Siphokazi Njokweni (Cathedral)
Nosisi Khotlo and Kazeka Somhlahlo (Holy Cross Mdantsane)
Bukhosi Mabandla and Bubele Mfenyana (Zwelitsha)
Patricia Wells (Bedford)
Mary Botchway (St Mark East London, pictured above with supporters, some in Ghanaian national dress).
More pictures of the Ordination...
New Lay Canons
During the Ordination service on 22 May, Bishop Ebenezer installed two lay members of Chapter. Nontobeko Moletsane of Holy Cross Mdantsane has extensive experience in the Church and with NGOs. She is the widow of a former Archdeacon, Moses Moletsane. Professor Paul Walters, a Cathedral parishioner and former Churchwarden, recently retired officially from the English Department of Rhodes University.
Lay Canons are elected by Chapter from among names proposed by the parishes.
A growing Church: future parishes meet for worship on Mothering Sunday
On 14 March the Bishop of Grahamstown, Ebenezer Ntlali, met with the clergy and people of eight congregations in the East London and King William’s Town Archdeaconries which are hoping to become independent parishes in the near future. They joined in a celebration of the Eucharist at Holy Cross Mdantsane. As Thami Mhlana, Archdeacon of East London West said: “What a good way to break the Lenten silence, celebrate Mothering Sunday, and Growing the Church!”
Celebrating: The clergy of the future parishes, with the Bishop and Archdeacons.
Editor’s unusual Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Canon Bob Clarke and his wife Maggy, Editor of Umbuliso, had the privilege of joining an unusual Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, led by the missionary society USPG, in May.
Not only did they have the opportunity to walk in the steps of Jesus, by the Lake of Galilee, in the Wilderness, and on the Via Dolorosa towards the Cross in Jerusalem, but throughout the 10-day trip there were frequent brief pauses for a Gospel reading, a meditation and a hymn, in or near the very places where the events had taken place described in the readings.
But what really set this apart from other Pilgrimages was the chance to meet with people who live in modern-day Israel, and hear about their lives. They spoke with Arabs (or Palestinians as they prefer to be called), mainly members of the Christian minority, including signatories of the Palestinian Kairos Document. That title echoes the name of a famous South African document. Other words from South Africa’s past which have been adopted by Palestinians to describe their present plight are “apartheid” and even “bantustan”. A drive from West (Jewish) into East (Palestinian) Jerusalem was like going from a South African city centre to a township, with all the contrast in services. And worst of all, between East and West, the Israeli Government is building a wall, with military checkpoints through which all Palestinians must pass on the way to and from work on the West side. A 20-minute journey can take two hours. Palestinians who try to obtain permission to build or extend their homes in East Jerusalem usually fail, and in frustration build “illegally”, only to face the very real risk of having their houses demolished.
Not all Jewish Israelis approve of these policies, and it was encouraging to meet members of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions. The Pilgrims were taken on an afternoon tour of Hebron by some of the WCC’s Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAPPI’s), volunteers who live alongside Palestinians to support them and tell their story to the world.
The Diocese of Grahamstown is represented among the EAPPIs at present by Mxolisi Sonti of St Francis Mdantsane. He will be finishing his three-month tour of duty shortly, and an article by him will appear in the next issue of Umbuliso.
“Jesus wept”: This high wall, still under construction, is designed to keep Palestinian Israelis away from their Jewish neighbours.
Dioce$an Finance$
From the Diocesan Administrator, Zoleka Maqwili
I congratulate the under-mentioned parishes for being up to date with their monthly assessment as from 1 January to 30 April 2010. The Diocese appreciates your support for running God’s Mission through your efforts.
Albany Archdeaconry: St John Bathurst, St Paul Port Alfred, St Peter Sidbury.
Grahamstown Archdeaconry: The Cathedral, St Bartholomew, St Clement.
Alice Archdeaconry: St Patrick Hogsback, St Michael Adelaide, St Matthews Mission, Church of Resurrection.
East London East Archdeaconry: St Luke Nxarhuni.
East London West: St Gregory, Christ Church Amalinda.
East London South: St Alban Vincent, All Saints Orange Grove.
East London Central: St Philip Duncan Village, St Saviour.
King William’s Town: St Peter Peddie, Holy Name Stutterheim, St Barnabas Stutterheim, St Andrew Ginsberg.
I would like to encourage the parishes that are not on this list to try harder and be on the list in the next issue of Umbuliso.
Assessments paid as at 30 April 2010: R1 462 604 (budget R1,766,147. 00). The shortfall was therefore R303,543.00. As we are all aware, the assessment income from parishes is not covering our 2010 budget of R 6,400,000.00. We need to continue praying for new ways of financing the Diocesan budget over and above the assessment income. Our Vision is to grow the church and keep it vibrant for the next generations, and not to see it struggling in our own hands. As the Diocese is presently contending with a budget deficit, parishes which are lagging behind with their assessments are implored to catch up, those which have arrears from previous years to pay up, and all parishes to pay assessments monthly, to enable the Diocese to meet its monthly legal commitments.
From the Department of Spirituality: a Book Review by Bill Gould
“The Essence of Xhosa Spirituality”: Peter Mtuze
This book expounds the deep and abiding relationship for the amaXhosa between God, the living dead and the people. This relationship is central to the Xhosa way of living and all steps to maintain its harmony must be pursued, preferably through appropriate rituals. Conversely, anything which would jeopardize this harmony must be warded off, again through rituals.
Mtuze’s thesis is that all of this has parallels in the evolved present-day Christian practices, which initially adopted many Jewish rituals and was sufficiently flexible to adopt Celtic practices when introduced into Ireland.
The book provides an insightful analysis of the often tragic interface between the existing Xhosa spirituality and its accommodation, or otherwise, by the Christianity introduced by missionaries into South Africa. It expresses the desire that an increasing and broader understanding of this topic may build bridges to the future.
Mtuze writes a fascinating account of and provides penetrating insights into what, for those of different cultures and increasingly for those amaXhosa becoming westernized and thus distanced from their cultural roots, is the enduring spirituality of a people with a very deep, but historically misunderstood, disparaged and rejected, inner religiosity.
He writes as someone deeply immersed in his culture, yet remains accessible to those of different cultural upbringing. Reading Mtuze is an exciting experience as he titillates what is initially curiosity and becomes fascination with a subject that unfolds a whole new world into understanding one's relationships not only with the spiritual realm but also with one's fellow humankind.
We can be assured that the insights which he has uncovered in this book provide a valuable launching pad for the further enquiry and research which will inform the reconciliation of the Christian and amaXhosa spiritual perspectives as well as the development of the desired South African society to which so many aspire.
In short, an excellent and educative read.
Bill Gould is Treasurer of the St Bernard Mizeki Guild in the Greater East London Archdeaconry.
This is a condensed version of his review. For the full version, click here.
Joint Grahamstown-Ukhahlamba Conference
By Kokela Siqendu
The Dioceses of Grahamstown and Ukhahlamba held a joint conference at Pallotti Farm, Queenstown, from 26-28 February 2010, with the theme “Live and Walk in His Light”.
Highlights:
The Dioceses of Free State and Mthatha, the Mother’s Union, the Youth, Clergy and the Bishop of Grahamstown supported the conference and all felt the presence of God.
The AWF Chaplain, Simphiwe Magxwalisa, introduced the theme highlighting the following:
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Those who live in the Light are the people who have received salvation and are no longer classified as spiritually dead.
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But those who walk in the Light are the people that have actually disciplined themselves to the point of becoming Christ-like.
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Walking in the Light, literally means conducting yourself according to the will of God.
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You have to make a determined effort that you are going to live for the kingdom of God.
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You must be determined in your heart to have God’s perfect will for your life.
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It is only through concentration, meditation, discipline and prayer (and often-times fasting as well) that we can learn to walk in the Light.
Walking in the light: Members of the AWF at their conference at Pallotti Farm, in February 2010.
Money raised for Thabo Makgoba Bursary Fund
AWF members collected a material sum of money where each Parish contributed R1000 in the form of Umjikelo to strengthen the fund so that when learners reach tertiary education sufficient funds will be available.
“The statement that stamped it”: Brother Josias OHC makes his First Profession
By Brother John Forbis OHC
On Saturday 10 April, in the monastery Church of St Peter on the Rock, Br. Josias Morobi made a threefold vow of Stability, Conversion of his ways to the monastic way of life, and Obedience, in the Order of the Holy Cross.
He was making his first profession of the vow. The community, representatives of five other religious communities and many guests, Associates, friends and about 14 of his family members witnessed the event. People from five different nations were present. The Order of the Holy Cross’s Deputy Bishop Visitor, Ann Tottenham from the Diocese of Toronto, presided over the Holy Eucharist, while Monica Vega preached. In the meantime, many blessings and promises of prayer and good wishes came from Brothers throughout the Order’s three other houses, monks living not in residence and other friends, family and Associates. Br. Josias was surrounded by much love and warmth as he made this important step in his life.
This vow is renewed annually for a minimum of two and maximum of five years. Then, he would make his life profession. The monk moves from being a novice, learning the tradition of monasticism, the Rule of St. Benedict, the Rule of James Otis Sargent Huntington as well as the Order’s history and charism, to being drawn more into the Order’s life and work. As Br. Josias, himself, puts it, he will “grow more into monasticism and develop a responsibility and independence.” He anticipates engaging more into a commitment, and his profession was a “statement that stamped” it.
The Brothers are delighted that Br. Josias has now entered into this new stage of commitment into the Community. They thank God for what Br Josias has to offer at Mariya uMama weThemba Monastery, and look forward to seeing how God will draw him deeper into obedience, stability and conversion. They ask for him to be kept in your prayers.
Br Josias Morobi makes his First Profession to the Order of the Holy Cross.
The OHC Community with Br Josias (centre) and the Deputy Bishop Visitor Ann Tottenham from the Diocese of Toronto.
Umbuliso uyakuybulisa ...
Bishop visits future parish of Kidd’s Beach
On 12 March 2010, Bishop Ebenezer visited St Mary and St Andrew, Kidd’s Beach, one of the chapelries which have agreed to become an independent parish. Several parishioners enjoyed a cup of tea in the hall with the Bishop and his team. One of them was Mrs Joy Lassman, an active member of the congregation since 1956. Interestingly Mrs Lassman (nee Cousins, seen above), was born in Mqanduli, Transkei, where Bishop Ebenezer’s home is.
Pray for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town, has launched a special prayer for the Soccer World Cup in South Africa, which begins on 11 June. ‘It is a short and simple prayer which is easy to learn, and I hope many people, of many backgrounds, will join me in praying it daily in the coming weeks’ said the Archbishop.
God bless the 2010 World Cup:
bless those who compete, and those who watch,
bless those who host, and those who visit,
and help all who love 'the beautiful game'
grow in the love you have given us to share. Amen
Death of Bishop’s sister
Our prayers and sympathy go to Bishop Ebenezer and the Ntlali family on the death of his eldest sister Leah Sigenu (neé Ntlali) on 10 May.
Thanks for prayers and support
Debbie Griffith Smith, wife of the chaplain of St Andrew's College, was rushed to hospital with a life-threatening brain haemorrhage, but has made a remarkable recovery. People all over Grahamstown and beyond were praying for her, and God answered their prayers.
The Ntshingwa family has written to thank all those who supported and prayed for them during the time of trauma when Canon Lulama was involved in a car accident. They reported his doctor is happy with his progress after the hip operation.
ASF turns 50
2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the Anglican Students’ Federation (ASF). ASF provides campus ministry to students at tertiary institutions with the help of the Chaplains who provide pastoral care to the students. The 50th Anniversary Celebrations will take place in Lesotho from 27 June – 3 July 2010, under the theme, “successo da uniao e da diversidade num so corpo” (which is loosely translated as success of unity and diversity in one body). All ex-ASF members are invited to participate in the ASF 50th anniversary fundraising campaign.
Contact: Odwa Gonya at 021 465 1557 /ogonya@anglicanstudentsfed.org.za
or Shilela Masemola…083 486 4057 /shilelamasemola@yahoo.com
or Saziso Nginda 0827282928 /ngindas@gmail.com
Mpumulanga Bishop Elected
At an Elective Assembly held in April in the Diocese of Mpumalanga, Archdeacon Daniel Kgomosotho was elected as the next bishop of the Diocese. Prayers are asked for him, his wife and family, as they prepare for this new calling.
Anglican Youth online
The Provincial Youth Council has announced the launch of the new Anglican Youth in Southern Africa web site. you'll find it at: www.aysa.org.za
From the Bishop’s diary
| June | ||
| 13 | Sun | St Philip Gompo |
| 20 | Sun | Bernard Mizeki Celebrations, St Philip Grahamstown |
| 21-3 July | Bishop on leave | |
| July | ||
| 1-3 | Thurs-Sat | Bishop on leave |
| 4 | Sun | Cathedral, Festival Eucharist |
| 8 | Thurs | Clergy School, King William's Town |
| 16 | Fri | Inauguration of Diocese of Mbashe |
| 18-23 | Sun-Fri | Vocational Deacons' Training |
| 25 | Sun | St Augustine's Grahamstown |
| August | ||
| 8 | Sun | St Matthew Keiskammahoek |
| 10 | Tue | Chapter |
| 11-12 | Wed-Thurs | Trust Board, Cape Town |
| 15 | Sun | Holy Trinity Fort Beaufort |
| 22 | Sun | St Bartholomew Grahamstown, 150th Anniversary |
| 29 | Sun | Family Day |
Umbuliso is your diocesan newspaper!
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Please send news to:P O Box 181, Grahamstown 61400
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Umbuliso is published by the Diocese of Grahamstown, edited by Maggy Clarke, and printed by Dupli-Print, Grahamstown.
Dead-line for next issue: 20 July 2010