Sermon at the 140th Anniversary Celebration of the Diocese of Pretoria

Readings: Job 23:1-9,16-17; Ps 22:1-15; Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10: 17-31

May I speak in the name of God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.

Bishops, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, dear people of God:

It is an honour and a privilege to have been asked to share with you the Word of God on this historic milestone in the life, witness and ministry of the Diocese of Pretoria. Thank you, Bishop Allan, the clergy, your leadership team and to the whole diocesan community for inviting me. Thank you everyone for your warm welcome. Thank you too to those who were involved in the preparations for this day.

To the Laos - To the People of God, November 2013

My dear People of God

There is certainly never a dull moment in the life of an Archbishop! In the last months I have visited Lesotho for the 50th celebrations of the ministry of our diocesan mission hospital at Mantšonyane, St. James. The celebrations were attended by His Majesty, King Letsie III, and the Prime Minister of Lesotho, the Honourable Tom Thabane, as well as representatives of Hope Africa, Us (or United Society, which we formerly knew as the USPG), volunteers from America and hundreds of parishioners, nurses and doctors, who together made it a great occasion. Congratulations to Bishop Taaso and his diocese on this milestone. I then blessed the new house of the bishop and the diocesan offices, now called the Archbishop Thabo Makgoba diocesan offices!

I then travelled to South Korea together with Lungi for the World Council of Churches' 10th Assembly. The experience of the Assembly is priceless. I have written daily reflections during our time in Busan. If you have not read them, these are on my blog. I then went to the Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman for a Gala dinner and diocesan service. The dinner was to raise money for an Endowment Fund to buy cars for struggling parishes. It was my first visit as Archbishop, the diocese having last had a pastoral visit by an archbishop a long time ago. I met various diocesan officials, and was also taken to the MacGregor Museum.

Both the museum and the Kimberley Club, known for its close association with the mining magnate and British imperialist, Cecil John Rhodes, rekindled within me the pain of the fierce wars of dispossession and displacement caused by the colonial power's scramble for diamonds; but also reminded me of the courageous resistance and triumphs of the local people who were armed only with hope. The inequality engendered by these wars is still glaring and persistent in Kimberley.

The diocese, one of the largest in our Province, needs funds to buy vehicles to enable church planting and for clergy to travel and serve all community members in this vast, unequal, mainly rural area. If you have an extra vehicle parked in your yard, Bishop Ossie says they can put it to good use in his diocese.

You will recall that the Synod of Bishops released a statement in October referring to our discussion on problematic issues in the dioceses of Pretoria and Mzimvubu, which we had addressed in love and rigour during our meeting. This past Sunday, five Bishops joined in a pastoral visit to Mzimvubu. Three of us stayed behind after a diocesan “conference” and did confirmations during a diocesan service, held in the incomplete cathedral structure. We confirmed 921 candidates. Although the diocese is facing major tensions, being at war within itself, the service was a healing moment for most of us. I ask you to soak the diocese in your prayers, that we may end the long-standing impasse.

I then visited St Alban's Cathedral in Pretoria, where I hosted on behalf of Tearfund, Hope Africa, UNAIDS, SAFFI, NRSAD and other community organisations, the launch of a We Will Speak Out chapter in South Africa. The launch coincided with the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign. I urge you to use these 16 days, which coincide with part of the Advent season, to recommit yourselves to speaking out against gender-based violence in our workplaces, our homes and parishes, or elsewhere in the community. You will recall that I have previously suggested the "ring a bell" initiative, in which we suggest that when you become aware of abuse, you should ring a bell or an alarm, and alert the police or others so that together we speak out and root out sexual violence in our communities.

The Revd Terrie Robinson from the Anglican Communion Office has also sent very useful material and prayers that we can use during these 16 days of activism. Look at it this way: girls between the ages of 12 and 18 who are subjected to sexual violence are 66 percent more likely to contract the HI Virus than those not so subjected. I urge all of us then to make every day, the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Let me end by thanking all who continue to give toward the College of Transfiguration. Please continue to pray and give generously towards its work within our church in shaping women and men for ministries “in times such as these.” In my December To the Laos, I will be writing about the Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit to our Province next year and the second Anglicans Ablaze conference. Ablaze is happening from July 2 to 4, so please do register for it if you have not done so already.

Lastly, Professor Gerald West has produced a series of Bible studies for Lent 2014. These are based on the ACSA‘s Anglican ACT vision and mission statements as well as our priorities. I urge all parishioners to use them next year and enable the Province to read and pray from the same well together. I will post the Bible study material on the ACSA website and send a link to you in To the Laos. I will also send a copy and link to every diocesan office too so that they are accessed by as many people as possible.

Yours in the service of Christ
+Thabo Cape Town

Synod of Bishops' Statement - With Angels and Saints

Here is a media release following the meeting of the Synod of Bishops - the full Statement from the Synod of Bishops follows below.

Media Release: 1 October 2013

Statement from the Synod of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa

The Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA) this week committed themselves to support reconciliation and nation-building in Southern Sudan, approved an agreement with the South African National Defence Force, and expressed delight at the forthcoming visit of the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

Meeting on 30 September and 1 October at the Kopanong Conference centre in Benoni, Johannesburg, the 31 Bishops reflected on a wide range of subjects from the revision of the church’s prayer book through to next year’s South African elections, on which they called for tolerance and a rejection of political violence and inflammatory language.

The twice-yearly meeting welcomed as guest the Archbishop of Sudan, Dr Daniel Deng Bul Yak, who briefed them on the situation in Sudan and South Sudan, and the South Sudan Committee for National Reconciliation which he chairs. He invited reflections on reconciliation processes within Southern Africa, and, accompanied by the Bishops of Natal and Johannesburg, held a fruitful meeting with former President Thabo Mbeki, the African Union Mediator between Sudan and South Sudan.

The Bishops discussed conflict in other parts of the world, including the recent terrorist attack in Nairobi in which James Thomas, a Cape Town church warden, was killed, and what seems to be a growing trend of violence against Christians around the world.

Closer to home, they affirmed an agreement with the SANDF on the appointment and deployment of military chaplains, after several years of negotiation.

On church affairs, the Bishops agreed to an assistant bishop in the Diocese of Niassa in northern Mozambique in response to strong church growth, and took decisions on problematic issues within the Dioceses of Pretoria and Umzimvubu. Provisional accreditation of courses at the church’s seminary, the College of the Transfiguration in Grahamstown was welcomed.

They also warmly welcomed the announcement that the new Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, with his wife, will attend their second ‘Anglicans Ablaze’ conference in July 2014.

Speaking after the meeting, the Archbishop of Cape Town, Dr Thabo Makgoba, said ‘this was a very encouraging time. Within a deeply prayerful context, we tackled a very broad agenda, from church governance through to global faith and political issues. In a short time we made significant progress on a number of matters. God is God of the whole world – and he will guide us in our calling to lead his people in every walk of life, and follow the example of all the saints who have gone before us.’

Note for editors: The Anglican Church of Southern Africa comprises Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and the island of St Helena.

Issued by the Office of the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town
Inquiries: Ms Wendy Kelderman, 021 763 1320 (office hours)
The Revd Canon Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, 082 856 2082 (during ACSA’s Provincial Synod – to 4 October)


The full text of the Synod of Bishops’ Statement follows below:

"With Angels and Saints…"

The Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA) met in Synod at the Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre in Benoni from 30 September to 1 October 2013. We enjoyed strong fellowship and also wrestled with some deep and challenging issues.

As always our time was spent in an alternating rhythm of worship (both the Eucharist and Daily Offices) and work, with each informing and being informed by the other. In his sermon during the opening Eucharist, the Bishop of the Highveld reminded us of the broader context, the spiritual dimension of our life, mission and ministry. We join the angels and saints in proclaiming God’s praises – we are aware of their support and the power of the Holy Spirit in everything we do. The angels announced the birth of Jesus our Lord and Saviour when he came to us in weakness and vulnerability. Jesus also calls us to stand with those who are considered weak or unimportant.

In his address to us on our second morning, the Bishop of Matlosane reminded us that God is the ultimate judge, although he does not always act when or how we want him to! God calls us to be ministers of forgiveness and reconciliation instead of judgement and revenge. We must work for justice and peace and be magnanimous in our treatment of others at all times.

In this light we addressed a wide range of subjects. With joy in our hearts we considered areas of growth and fresh life among God’s people in our own church, with our ecumenical partners and in the global church. And we also reflected in sorrow on areas of conflict and violence at home and around the world. We were enriched by the presence of the Archbishop of Sudan, and above all we gave thanks for the God who is faithful, and who guides and leads us in the ways of justice and truth.

The Life of our Church

We welcomed three Bishops who were attending their first Synod of Bishops since their consecrations: Bishops Richard Fenwick (St Helena), Dintoe Letloelyane (Free State) and Stephen Moreo (Johannesburg).

The Synod of Bishops affirmed and endorsed plans to hold a second ‘Anglicans Ablaze’ Conference in Johannesburg from 2 to 5 July 2014. The first conference in 2012, the largest of its kind, attracted about 1400 Anglicans of all races, ages, theological persuasions and preferences. We expect more than 3000 people in 2014, and were delighted to hear that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has accepted our invitation to visit Southern Africa and address the conference. During this time he and his wife Caroline will also meet with ACSA Bishops and their spouses.

Another encouraging development was that the Diocese of Niassa in Northern Mozambique was given the go-ahead to elect a Suffragan Bishop for the Area of Lúrio and Zambézia. This is necessary because of the rapid growth of the church in that area and the vast distances involved.

We addressed with rigour and love the situations of conflict in the Dioceses of Umzimvubu and Pretoria and took firm decisions about the way forward in each case.

We received with joy the report of the Liturgical Committee that the process of Revising the Anglican Prayer Book, to which we agreed in February this year, has begun. This is a mammoth undertaking and the first phase is expected to take about three years.

Theological Education

We were encouraged by the report from the College of the Transfiguration (COTT) in Grahamstown, which has received Provisional Accreditation at Diploma and BTh level from the Higher Education Quality Committee. The process of registration with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a site of higher education is underway. We also approved the proposal to develop a School of Ministry for distance Theological Education. Noting the number of students who will be graduating from COTT at the end of 2013, Bishops were encouraged to send new students at the beginning of 2014. We also gave thanks for the excellent Colloquium in Theological Education held at COTT in August.

We also noted positive developments in the Theological Education by Extension College (TEEC) where over 600 Anglicans are registered at present. Although the College has a new structure as a Non Profit Company, it continues to exist to serve its Supporting Churches. With this in mind a new Memorandum of Understanding between ACSA and TEEC was accepted and signed.

Our World-wide Anglican Family

The Synod of Bishops took note of plans to hold a second Global Anglican Futures Conference (GAFCON) in Nairobi later this month. We agreed that Bishops are free to attend if they feel so called.

We also noted with joy that Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has been elected an alternate member of the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) – the body that leads the process of selecting the Archbishop of Canterbury when that position becomes vacant.

Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ – our Ecumenical Partnerships

The Synod of Bishops received a full report on recent progress in the Church Unity Commission (CUC). Although the emphases have changed since the establishment of the CUC over 40 years ago, our commitment to finding unity in our diversity remains strong.

We were delighted to learn that Archbishop Thabo will be moderating the Plenary Group on Global Peace at the World Council of Churches gathering in Korea between 29 October and 7 November 2013. Other Southern African participants will be Bishop Johannes Seoka (Diocese of Pretoria and President of the South African Council of Churches) and Fr Michael Lapsley, as well as Ms Louisa Mojela, our Anglican Consultative Council lay representative.

Southern Africa and the World

We welcomed among us Archbishop Dr Daniel Deng Bul Yak of the Province of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan. He shared the challenges facing the two countries of Sudan and Southern Sudan, which are recovering after war. Many tensions still exist, for example between cultures and religions. Archbishop Daniel was concerned about the on-going danger of war breaking out, especially where there are border disputes and clashes in oil-rich areas. He spoke of the need to rebuild the economy and infrastructure, particularly in the South – with special reference to health, education and agriculture.

During his time in South Africa, Archbishop Daniel and his delegation explored ways of dealing with their issues of healing, peace and reconciliation. They made contact with the Institute of Peace and Justice, and with Fr Michael Lapsley and the Institute for the Healing of Memories. Together with the Dean of the Province Bishop Rubin Phillip, the Bishop of Johannesburg and the Provincial Executive Officer, Archbishop Daniel also had a fruitful meeting with former President Thabo Mbeki, who is the African Union Mediator between Sudan and South Sudan.

More broadly, the Synod of Bishops reflected on many parts of the world which are suffering from violence and conflict. We grieved the death of James Thomas in the Nairobi Mall attack of 21 September and prayed especially for his wife Colleen and their family. James was Churchwarden of St Peter’s Church in Mowbray, and was due to represent the Diocese of Cape Town at our Provincial Synod this week. We reflected on the conflicts in Syria and Egypt among others; and noted what seems to be a trend of increasing violence directed against Christians, for example, in Nigeria and Peshawar in Pakistan.

In the Southern African context we call upon our leaders and people to act responsibly and with magnanimity as South Africa approaches national elections next year. We call on all our people to reject all forms of political violence and to avoid making reckless or inflammatory statements.

After several years of negotiation, the Synod of Bishops approved an agreement between ACSA and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) which governs the appointment and deployment of Anglican Chaplains in the SANDF.

Conclusion

Giving thanks for all that God has done, is doing and will continue to do, we join the angels and saints in singing:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:12-13)

Synod of Bishops' Statement

Synod of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, March 2013

Jesus spoke to them saying: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12

We, as the Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, meeting at St Augustine’s, Modderpoort, in the Diocese of the Free State, from 5 to 8 March 2013, greet God’s beloved throughout the length and breadth of this our beautiful Province in the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord!

As we gathered, our hearts were filled with gratitude for the many blessings that God bestows on us as a church.

We continue to celebrate the gift of two sister Bishops, Ellinah Wamukoya (Diocese of Swaziland) and Margaret Vertue (Diocese of False Bay), to the Church, as we meet at this historic Synod of Bishops, where we can be both sister and brother Bishops together.

We are also grateful to God for the growth that we, as the Church in this Province, are experiencing at present.

The Diocese of Niassa has borne witness to an amazing outpouring of God’s grace resulting in a process of spiritual and numerical growth that is nothing short of miraculous. In response to a proposal to multiply, the Synod of Bishops gave unanimous approval to the establishment of a new episcopal area and election of a Suffragan Bishop. The Archbishop has set the processes in motion for them to realise this dream.

We were pleased to hear from the Rector of the College of the Transfiguration, the Reverend Canon Professor Barney Pityana, of the positive developments at the College. We applaud the Rector, the Staff and the College Council for the progress that has been made with the accreditation of the academic programmes and registration of the College. We also express thanks to all who contributed generously for the refurbishment of the infrastructure.

The Provincial Standing Committee has declared 2013 a year of Theological Education in our Province. We support this initiative and call upon all Anglicans throughout the Province to make special monetary contributions to the College of the Transfiguration on Theological Education Sunday, which will be on 18 August 2013.

We commend and encourage those educators, officials and concerned citizens, at all levels of the educational system and society, who are working exceptionally hard to turn the situation around and who are doing their very best to ensure quality education for all. There is no doubt that education is a key sector for building the future. However, the state of the education system in South Africa continues to cause great concern and pain. We urge those whose task it is to shape, nurture and educate the next generation of leaders to take their task very seriously. We call for stern action to remedy the situation and for bold steps to be taken even if it requires the dismissal of those responsible for the situation and the replacement of incompetent officials.

We further support the Archbishop’s Education Initiative and commend Bishop Peter Lee, from the Diocese of Christ the King, who drives this process.

At the same time, our hearts are deeply troubled as we gather. Through our sharing and praying we have again become deeply aware of the hard realities of our varied contexts and of the cries of God’s people throughout the region.

We have noted with sadness the ever widening gap between the rich and the poor. Many of our people are trapped in the ever deepening spiral of abject poverty. We note the evidence for a close correlation between corruption and poverty. We, as a church, strongly condemn all forms of corruption, whether it is in the church or in civil society or in government or in business.

We call upon all of us to strive for a corruption free society and to challenge the governments and businesses in our region to do the same.

An area of particular concern is the escalating violence in South African society. It was particularly poignant that our discussions fell on International Women’s Day. The shocking fatal attack on the young woman Keamogetswe Sefularo at Mohlakeng which occurred during our meeting, as well as the brutal rape and murder of the young woman Anene Booysen at Bredasdorp, and also the violence displayed by the police towards a Mozambican national, Mido Macia, at Daveyton, who subsequently died, vividly highlights this crisis.

We condemn any form of violence, whether it is civil or state violence, domestic or public violence. We call upon all our people to strive for a violence-free society and, by so doing, to allow the light of Christ to permeate our society. We urge everyone, ‘Raise your voice! Stand up and be counted!’

We were moved by the homily of the Bishop of Khahlamba, at our Thursday Eucharist, on the inseparable link between the reform of liturgy and spiritual renewal. We, as Bishops, re-affirm our unqualified support for the initiative for the renewal of liturgy. There is a great sense of excitement as we embark on this process, as the Province, of revising the Anglican Prayer Book 1989. We realise that this will not be a hasty process, especially since we want to ensure that it will be a dynamic tool for mission and ministry, which will give expression to our distinctive identity and spirituality.

The problems experienced in the Dioceses of Pretoria and Umzimvubu presented us with particular challenges and we wish to assure our people in these Dioceses that we share their pain and have adopted strategies that, we hope, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit will lead to healing and wholeness in the Body of Christ. We implore you to pray for these pastoral interventions so that we may be whole, in answer to the prayer of our Lord Jesus, who prayed that we ‘may be one’ (Jn 17:11,21).

We acknowledge with gratitude the inauguration of the Canon Law Council of our Province, which was launched from 21 to 24 January 2013, in Grahamstown. We affirm the wide need for a better understanding of when and how to resort to canonically based action, while noting that Canon Law should be viewed as a good servant but poor master; for we also recall that Jesus, who came to fulfil the law, was against legalism, and that God’s people live under grace not law.

We give thanks for the fellowship in the gospel we share with our brothers and sisters around the Anglican Communion, particularly praying in joyful expectation for Archbishop Justin Welby and his family, as he prepares for his enthronement as Archbishop of Canterbury. We also gave thanks for the recent meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council, on which the Archbishop reported.

We pray that we as the Church will listen intelligently to what God is saying to us at this time; observe diligently the signs of God’s restorative grace that is breaking through in places where our people are struggling; teach faithfully what God commands us to do; and continue to be God’s Good-news people wherever we live and work.

With these concerns and words of encouragement, and always seeking to follow the light of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, we commend you to the grace of God.

Issued by the Office of the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town
Inquiries: Ms Wendy Kelderman 021 763 1320 (office hours)

Further Update on Diocese of Pretoria

The following media release was issued by the Synod of Bishops on 19 October 2012.

As has been made clear in earlier press releases, the Synod of Bishops has appointed a small team from among its members to work through the Report of the Task Team (appointed in terms of Canon 21.3 by the Archbishop, on the recommendation of the Synod of Bishops) and to address and take forward the recommendations it makes, in accordance with the provisions of Canon Law and with the church’s best pastoral practice. In doing this, the team are continuing to hold meetings with both the Diocesan Executive and the Representatives of the Cathedral Parish. The Report of the Task Team has been shared with both groups, with the clear agreement by all sides that it would remain confidential while the process continues, and would only be released after this has been completed, and then only by mutual agreement of all the parties.

It is therefore a matter of considerable regret that, either selectively or in totality, the contents of the Task Team’s Report has been made public and shared more widely in various ways. This is damaging of the creation and sustaining of an atmosphere of trust and good faith, which is so vital to the processes of mediation for which the courts have called, to which the parties have agreed, and which the Synod of Bishops is supporting through its team appointed to take forward the recommendations of the Task Team’s Report. The Synod of Bishops takes this opportunity to reaffirm its wholehearted commitment to continuing with this process, in an atmosphere of confidentiality appropriate to ensuring the integrity of its pastoral relationships and personal well-being of all concerned, and the interests of justice.

Update on Diocese of Pretoria

This media release was issued on 12 October 2012, on behalf of the Synod of Bishops.

As requested by the Synod of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, in their follow-up to the Report of the Task Team (appointed in terms of Canon 21.3 by the Archbishop on the recommendation of the Synod of Bishops) the Provincial Treasurer, Mr Rob Rogerson, has been in Pretoria this week. He has reviewed the accounts, both for 2011 and 2012, of the Diocesan Finance Board, Diocesan Trusts’ Board, the Bishop’s Endowment Fund and the Cathedral accounts (presently being managed by the Diocese of Pretoria), and has found the quality of accounting to be of a high order. Mr Rogerson has also reviewed the audited accounts for 2011 for all these bodies, and confirms that both the accounts and the management reports reflect a financially well run Diocese. Mr Rogerson is in the process of compiling a detailed report of his visit which should be completed early next week.

Following last week’s meetings between the team of Bishops (appointed by the Synod of Bishops) and the Parish Council of St Alban’s Cathedral, the Report of the Task Team (under Canon 21.3) has been made available to the Council for its consideration. It has also been given to the Diocesan Executive. The sharing of the report, on a confidential basis, has been done in the interests of openness and transparency, and to lay to rest any concerns that may have arisen over its contents, and so that it may assist in further discussions with the Synod of Bishops’ representatives, which will be continuing next week. With these meetings continuing, there is no intention at present to make the Report a public document.

Issued by the Office of the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town
Inquiries: Ms Wendy Kelderman 021 763 1320 (office hours)

Welcome to Archbishop of York

This media release was issued on 11 October 2012.

The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Dr Thabo Makgoba, has issued a warm welcome to the Archbishop of York, on behalf of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, on his visit to the Diocese of Pretoria, from 10 to 16 October 2012.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu and his wife Margaret have been invited by the Bishop of Pretoria, Dr Johannes Seoka. They will also spend time in Magaliesberg and Rustenburg.

Archbishop Sentamu will present the award of ‘St Alban The Martyr’, the highest Order given to lay people, at the Bishop’s House. He will also lead a clergy day workshop at St Alban’s Cathedral, preside and preach at a Family Day Eucharist in Rustenburg Archdeaconry, and visit Church schools.

Dr Makgoba said, ‘We are delighted that Archbishop Sentamu is visiting us. The Anglican Church of Southern Africa highly values our links across the global Anglican family. We enjoy close ties with the Diocese of York, and I am so glad that the Archbishop will have this opportunity to see something of our varied life and ministry even if only in a small part of our very large and diverse church.’


Edited highlights of Itinerary:

Thurs 11 October
Visit to Pretoria East Archdeaconry: Eersterust, Cuillinan and Refilwe with Bishop Seoka.

Friday 12 October
Visit to Magaliesburg Archdeaconry: Temba and Moretele

Saturday 13 October
Conveying of the Order of ‘St Alban’s The Martyr’.

Sunday 14 October
Preach and preside at Eucharist in the Archdeaconry of Rustenburg.

Monday 15 October
Visit to Diocesan schools in and around Pretoria.

Tuesday 16 October
Lead a clergy day workshop at St Alban’s Cathedral.

To contact the Diocese of Pretoria, please email: ptabish@dioceseofpretoria.org or ptaadmin@dioceseofpretoria.org, or phone +27 21 322 6580
For media enquiries relating to the Archbishop of York, please contact Kerron Cross at email Kerron.cross@archbishopofyork.org or phone (+44) 1904 772364


Issued by the Office of the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town
Inquiries: Ms Wendy Kelderman 021 763 1320 (office hours)

Diocese of Pretoria

This Statement on behalf of the Synod of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa was issued on 4 October 2012

At its meeting last week, the Synod of Bishops received the report of the Task Team which was appointed in terms of Canon 21.3 by the Archbishop on the recommendation of the Synod of Bishops.

The report was thoroughly discussed and a committee of Bishops was established to follow up the decisions reached by the Synod of Bishops, and to communicate the Synod’s response to the Task Team’s report to the parties concerned.

Members of the team have met this week with the Diocesan Executive of the Diocese of Pretoria, and with the Parish Council of St Alban’s Cathedral. These discussions are continuing.

The Task Team’s report states clearly that allegations that the Bishop of Pretoria, Dr Jo Seoka, had acted improperly in regard to a loan for housing are groundless. The Bishops call upon those making these unfounded allegations to desist.

The search for a resolution of other matters which are in dispute continues. Consideration will be given to making additional information available, as appropriate, when this process had continued further.


Issued by the Office of the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town
Inquiries: Ms Wendy Kelderman 021 763 1320 (office hours)

To the Laos - To the People of God, July 2012

Dear People of God

Many of us have enjoyed time with our children during the school holidays, despite the cold and wintry weather! Talking with my own children, and listening to their hopes and aspirations, has again underlined for me the importance of education – both in schools, colleges and university, and nurturing within the family of the church. We are called to be trained in living the Christian life, in following Jesus’ call and example in faithful obedience, in ‘growing in knowledge and love of God and of his Son’, and in reflecting all that God is in Christ for us by his Spirit, in the totality of our lives. In Jesus, the Teacher, we see how we too should teach and mentor those who are young in years or young in the faith: listening to their concerns, carefully explaining, and also giving them ‘parables’ to prompt them to learn for themselves how to apply the principles of faith to the many and varied circumstances of life that come our way.

One of the NGOs with which I am proud to be associated is ‘Equal Education’, which works for quality education to be made available to every South African child. They are one of many bodies working across our Province in this important area. Earlier in July I was privileged to speak at EE’s first ‘Congress’, which marked a new phase as those who launched the NGO bring those whom it is designed to help into consultations about how to focus its work, and into its leadership structures. A wide range of people, including educators and learners, were at this energy-filled gathering.

We should always go forward with hope, despite the many problems within our education systems. It is tragic that there are still schools without adequate buildings or other facilities, and scandals like the delivery of Limpopo’s textbooks. It is also shocking to hear of teachers who turn up late or drunk, or fail their learners in other ways – and then even boast of being protected by their unions against any form of discipline for their inadequacies. But instead of getting downhearted, we should roll up our sleeves and do what we can to make a change for the better. Most of all, we should not lose the vision of educational excellence for every child of our Province. This must be our goal, and we should encourage our societies to insist that we will not settle for anything less.

In all life, if we keep our vision at the heart of our thinking, talking, planning, it will be the magnet that draws us in the direction in which we want and need to go. Behavioural scientists today tell us that to focus on our goals is far more effective than letting what is holding us back dominate our lives and drag us down. This should come as no surprise: St Paul said much the same, in his letter to the Philippians, writing: ‘Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things’ (Phil 4:8).

This principle underlies our Provincial vision – our desire that to be a Christian community ‘Anchored in the love of Christ, Committed to God’s Mission, and Transformed by the Holy Spirit.’ Holding the vision before us will help PSC guide our common life, as we meet in September. Do pray for PSC, and consider coming to the Anglicans Ablaze conference in October. For both those who are coming, and those who cannot make it – for ALL of you! – I commend the ACSA Vision and Mission Study Guide produced by Growing the Church, which can be used for a sermon series and in small groups, to help us all explore the rich fruits the Vision promises within our own contexts. The materials can be downloaded at http://www.anglicansablaze.org.

Theological education, for training ordinands, and supporting those already ordained, and lay people too who are the bedrock of so much of the life of the church, is also one of the key priorities in planning for the future. We need to consider our targets, strategies and tactics – learning from the effective approach of Equal Education. I have been heartened by the positive initial response to appeals to support the work of COTT, as well as to local initiatives such as the Archbishop’s Educational Endowment Fund in the Diocese of Cape Town. But strengthening theological education is a long term project, and will need support for many years to come: so, thank you to those who have made donations; and may I encourage many more of you to include this in your giving.

The coming months see 4 elective assemblies: I’ve just returned from Swaziland where Revd Ellinah Wamukoya was elected – the first woman in our Province, indeed in Africa, to be chosen as Bishop! We congratulate her! Please prayer for her as she prepares for this great responsibility. It is particularly apt that Swaziland should take this step, as it was in Swaziland in 1992 that Provincial Synod opened the door to the priesthood and episcopate equally to men and women. There are then elections in the Free State in August, Johannesburg in September, and False Bay in October. These underline the need for ably trained men and women to lead our Province at every level. Please pray for the elective assemblies, and the life of our Dioceses.

As I travel around, I never cease to thank God for the ways in which the priorities we discerned for Provincial action are so often reflected and being implemented in Diocesan life, strengthening the synergies between the various levels of the life of the Province. I’ve just had the delight of sharing with the Diocese of George in their centenary celebrations. Though they have faced serious challenges in recent years, the diocese is alive and building on strong foundations as it moves forward. I congratulate Bishop Brian and his team. I am looking forward to visiting Angola in August.

Please continue to pray for those Dioceses facing difficulties, especially Umzimvubu and Pretoria, as we seek to support them through the careful pastoral frameworks set out in our Canons. I’m happy to say that next year our newly revived Canon Law Society will hold a summit to look at how we can best use the Canons to serve the life of the Church, and consider producing a manual to guide us all. Canons should be our ‘good servants’, supporting prayerful, pastoral discernment, indaba and dialogue, when problems arise. They are not there to promote taking legalistic stances – as St Paul warns the Corinthians (1 Cor 6)! In wider society too, legal battles too often provide answers that divide, rather than building up, communities and nations. I’m therefore glad to be part of the ‘Finding ways to walk together’ initiative that promotes dialogue for handling difficult questions, including race, class, sexuality and so on. We need to maintain the biblical vision of nations united in seeking the good of all, which speak out against corruption and all that demeans us.

Yours in the Service of Christ,

+Thabo Cape Town

Letter to the Primate of Sudan

This letter was sent to the Primate of Sudan, the Most Revd Dr Daniel Deng Bul, on 8 September 2011.

My Dear Brother in Christ

I write to extend to you my own warm welcome and that of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.

Thank you for finding the time to share in the Diocesan Synod of the Diocese of Pretoria as their special guest. I appreciate your readiness to invest in the strengthening of our partnership in the Gospel and pray that your visit will be mutually rewarding.

I trust that you will enjoy the hospitality of the good people of Pretoria.

Be assured of my prayers and continued support for your ministry, particularly through this time of such great change and challenge for the Sudanese people.

Yours in the service of Christ

+ Thabo Cape Town