Saturday 16 April 2016

Youth take the lead at ACC; Archbishop's Award made to President Kaunda

Clergy and laity from the Diocese of Lusaka joined us for workshops and conferences today and the youth led an informative panel discussion.

I then went with Bishop Trevor Mwamba, the former Bishop of Botswana, and our clergy rep, Father Jerome Francis, to see former President Kenneth Kaunda. We went both to his home and with his family to visit the grave of his wife, Betty, where we laid wreaths. In his lounge with some of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was visibly moved when I read the citation for ACSA's Archbishop's Award for Peace with Justice.



The citation quoted one of his most famous sayings: “The inability of those in power to still the voices of their own consciences is the great force leading to change.” It also cited his contribution to liberation and democracy in the following words:

“His commitment to service found its highest expression in his term as founding president of Zambia and in his unwavering commitment to liberation for others, making exceptional sacrifices as a consequence of harbouring fellow liberation fighters who were branded by white minority regimes as 'terrorists'. At the end of the Cold War, he achieved new distinction as an exemplary leader when he became one of the first leaders to allow multi-party elections and afterwards to step down from power.”

We then returned to the ACC meeting, ate and I joined the resolution committee. I am preaching at the Cathedral tomorrow morning and look forward to the worship.


The youth contingent at ACC-16 presents “Thoughts from Young People” on Saturday. Photo: Mary Frances Schjonberg/Episcopal News Service

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