Joint statement by the Primate of Nigeria, His Grace the Most Revd Nicholas D. Okoh, and the Metropolitan of Southern Africa, His Grace the Most Revd Thabo C. Makgoba
As the Archbishops of Nigeria and Southern Africa, we condemn the breakdown of law and order consequent upon the xenophobic attacks carried out on Africans from other parts of the continent, including Nigerians, who live and work in South Africa. No matter what grievances people have, mob violence is no way to respond, and we condemn the violence outright. We express our sympathy to those who have been injured in the attacks and our regrets at the loss of property and businesses.
Within and between our respective churches, we commit to opening dialogue with all involved with a view finding lasting solutions to the tensions. As two leading nations on the continent, Nigerians and South Africans should be working together to the mutual benefit of friendship and productive economic relations between our peoples. We pray for peace among our peoples, and for God's blessings on Nigeria, South Africa and all Africans affected by these deplorable attacks.
We prayerfully task our two Presidents (Nigeria and South Africa) to seek a diplomatic solution to the issues causing tension and bitterness.
++Nicholas Nigeria ++Thabo Cape Town
Showing posts with label Violence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Violence. Show all posts
Wednesday, 11 September 2019
Friday, 18 January 2019
Homily for licensing the Revd Monwabisi Peter as Chaplain of Diocesan College
 |
| (Photo: Bishops Facebook page) |
Reading: Matthew 11:25-27
In the name of God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, dear people of God, Mr (Guy) Pearson, heads of departments, educators, friends and families, it is a great joy to be with you today and share in this milestone in the history of Diocesan College.
Wednesday, 26 December 2018
Media coverage of Archbishop's Christmas sermon
SABC news clip:
ENCA news clip:
From South Africa's media:
TimesLIVE: Archbishop: Liberation denied by our violent ways
news24: SA must stop solving problems through violence - Archbishop Thabo Makgoba
IOL: South Africans need to stop trying to solve problems through violence - Archbishop Makgoba
Daily Maverick [excerpt]: The flames of darkness associated with violence need to be extinguished forever
Eyewitness News: Makgoba ‘concerned’ about high levels of aggression in SA
iAfrica: Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Condemns Levels Of Violence in SA
The Citizen: Violence will not solve SA’s problems – Archbishop Makgoba
Algoa FM: Violence will not solve SA's problems - Archbishop Makgoba
Overseas - Archbishop Thabo with Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu
Daily Mail, London (photo): Millions of Christians gather in churches around the world to celebrate Christmas
Gulf News (photo): Christmas brings cheer to people around the globe
Earlier bulletins:
Eyewitness News: Makgoba: '2019 will define new South Africa'
Eyewitness News: Archbishop Makgoba condemns levels of violence in SA
Early Christmas morning news from the SABC:
Monday, 24 December 2018
Archbishop Thabo's Christmas sermon, 2018
 |
| (Photo: St George's Cathedral) |
Isaiah 62:6-12, Psalm 97, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:(1-7), 8-20 or John 1:1-14
May I speak in the name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Welcome to this beautiful service in this beautiful cathedral among multitudes of God's beautiful children, all of us made in God's image. This is one of my favourite nights of the year, a night on which I feel a certain magic. I'm not sure whether it's the spirit of kindness I feel emanating from all of you, or the joy I see in the eyes of our children, but whatever it is, this time of year always puts a smile on my face, especially when the sun goes down and the night comes alive with the twinkling of the Christmas lights.
And this Christmas, I also feel a renewed energy in our country, a little like the way I felt when our children took us a few weeks ago to the Global Citizens' music festival in Johannesburg. (Although I have to admit that I couldn't stay long enough to watch Beyoncé!!) This Christmas, I believe we’re about to re-enter a new age, an era where we define the new South Africa.
Sunday, 4 August 2013
Let’s ring the bell for global transformation
This is the Sunday Independent opinion column from 4 August 2013
It is time men step up and take the lead to effect change in the way society regards women, writes Thabo Makgoba.
Women hold up half the sky, says an old Chinese proverb. It reminds us, as Women’s Month begins, that women and men are equal partners in shouldering life’s responsibilities.
In fact, in the daily business of keeping homes and societies running smoothly, I suspect women bear more than their fair share of the burden. It’s a burden borne in far too many ways. Top of the list are inexcusable levels of sexual violence and abuse. The Modimolle case is the tip of the iceberg in a nation with close to three women murdered daily, mostly by their intimate partners.
At the same time, exploitative and discriminatory attitudes and practices regularly surface across public life. Other burdens range from sexual objectification to misogynist so-called humour; and from coercive relationships, in which women are viewed as little more than property, to the impossible images of so-called beauty that are all around us.
Even in stable homes, women often bear a disproportionate share of responsibility. For much of my own childhood, my mother raised us single-handedly as my father periodically absented himself. Today, too many women bring up children with little support. In households where both parents work, mums generally do far more domestic chores than dads.
Last month, on Madiba’s birthday, the call went out for every day to be Mandela Day; every day we should uphold, and work to realise, his vision for a united, non-racial, democratic society, free from poverty. Every day should also be Women’s Day, with women and girls afforded true equality, dignity, and respect in every area of our nation’s life. It will not do to prioritise one day or one month, then fall back into unreconstructed attitudes or complacent acceptance that, awful though it is, gender inequality is something we have to live with.
Churches, mosques and other faiths have to watch their step. Too often we have allowed our scriptures to be interpreted, and our traditions to develop, in ways that have reinforced patriarchal and discriminatory views. Even if the religious sector is finally getting its act together, as a society we have a long way to go. We need fundamental changes in attitudes, and in the narratives we tell ourselves – and feed ourselves through the media, from news stories to soapies – about how men and women, girls and boys, relate to one another.
We have to oppose the bad and encourage the good. We have to talk the talk and walk the walk.
All of us can do it. Yes, we need leaders to give a lead and speak out, but we cannot wait for them, for they often fail (as in their silence when a senior government envoy was recently compared to “a stupid, ignorant, street woman” – in other words, a prostitute – by a foreign leader). If we all take matters into our own hands, we will achieve far more. I particularly encourage men to step up and take the lead, for example, in the effective initiative against domestic violence, launched in India, called “ring the bell”.
Simply put, if you or I hear a disturbance at our neighbour’s place, we should not be afraid to ring their bell, knock on their door or phone them. This does two things. First, it interrupts the violence that is taking place. Second, it lets the perpetrator know that the community is watching – and particularly that other men are aware of what is going on. For we know that men listen to other men. Men care about their reputation with other men. And ringing the bell gets the message across that men who are violent are not socially acceptable.
This campaign is being led in South Africa by the Sonke Gender Justice Network. It works especially to encourage men and boys to take a stand and make a difference in promoting equality and preventing sexual and domestic violence.
Men must also speak up and call a halt to inappropriate language to, or about, women among their friends – even in jest. Subjects such as so-called corrective rape are never a laughing matter, as two FHM journalists recently learnt the hard way.
We must also help men who have messed up in the past to find a better way forward. As I write, the Zwelinzima Vavi saga is still unfolding, and the facts remain unclear. But at least he has had the courage to admit that an adulterous affair was wrong, and to apologise. Now the rape accusation has been dropped, he should drop his counter-charge.
In many of our cultures, where the sanctity of marriage has been abused, it may be appropriate for some restitution to be paid – but all this should be worked out through the proper channels, involving the wider families, as part of broader processes of restorative justice which pursue healing within the communities concerned. And where public figures are concerned, and betrayal of public trust is involved, there should also be genuine apology and contrition to the nation.
And, of course, where there has been rape, assault, sexual coercion or abuse of any sort, justice must be done, including through the courts.
Yet there is also much to celebrate this month. Some women don’t merely hold up half the sky – for them it seems that the sky is the limit. Nkosasana Dlamini Zuma has made history as the first woman chairperson of the AU. This month, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will take over leadership of UN Women, the three-year-old “new girl” among international agencies. In a world where there are many new challenges, from trafficking to online abuse, alongside older problems ranging from child brides to rape as a weapon of war, “we have to become smarter about how we fight these women’s issues”, she said in a recent interview. We wish her well as she takes on these new responsibilities.
I’d also like to take my hat off to Graça Machel, who so graciously, so modestly, and yet with such courage and strength of character, has been steadfastly at Madiba’s side these weeks, tending to his needs and the needs of a watching, waiting, nation.
Alongside these, we have many other women leaders and achievers taking over the baton from past generations – in politics, business, media, academia and every walk of life. We salute each one, and salute all those other strong women who, in just the ordinary everyday business of life, in and beyond the home, shoulder their responsibilities and do a good job. May these be the true role models for future generations of girls, as we celebrate the women of South Africa and work hard to create a today and tomorrow where they all can flourish, free from fear, and fulfil their true potential.
http://www.iol.co.za/sundayindependent/let-s-ring-the-bell-for-global-transformation-1.1557200#.Uf6c6OUaLIV
It is time men step up and take the lead to effect change in the way society regards women, writes Thabo Makgoba.
Women hold up half the sky, says an old Chinese proverb. It reminds us, as Women’s Month begins, that women and men are equal partners in shouldering life’s responsibilities.
In fact, in the daily business of keeping homes and societies running smoothly, I suspect women bear more than their fair share of the burden. It’s a burden borne in far too many ways. Top of the list are inexcusable levels of sexual violence and abuse. The Modimolle case is the tip of the iceberg in a nation with close to three women murdered daily, mostly by their intimate partners.
At the same time, exploitative and discriminatory attitudes and practices regularly surface across public life. Other burdens range from sexual objectification to misogynist so-called humour; and from coercive relationships, in which women are viewed as little more than property, to the impossible images of so-called beauty that are all around us.
Even in stable homes, women often bear a disproportionate share of responsibility. For much of my own childhood, my mother raised us single-handedly as my father periodically absented himself. Today, too many women bring up children with little support. In households where both parents work, mums generally do far more domestic chores than dads.
Last month, on Madiba’s birthday, the call went out for every day to be Mandela Day; every day we should uphold, and work to realise, his vision for a united, non-racial, democratic society, free from poverty. Every day should also be Women’s Day, with women and girls afforded true equality, dignity, and respect in every area of our nation’s life. It will not do to prioritise one day or one month, then fall back into unreconstructed attitudes or complacent acceptance that, awful though it is, gender inequality is something we have to live with.
Churches, mosques and other faiths have to watch their step. Too often we have allowed our scriptures to be interpreted, and our traditions to develop, in ways that have reinforced patriarchal and discriminatory views. Even if the religious sector is finally getting its act together, as a society we have a long way to go. We need fundamental changes in attitudes, and in the narratives we tell ourselves – and feed ourselves through the media, from news stories to soapies – about how men and women, girls and boys, relate to one another.
We have to oppose the bad and encourage the good. We have to talk the talk and walk the walk.
All of us can do it. Yes, we need leaders to give a lead and speak out, but we cannot wait for them, for they often fail (as in their silence when a senior government envoy was recently compared to “a stupid, ignorant, street woman” – in other words, a prostitute – by a foreign leader). If we all take matters into our own hands, we will achieve far more. I particularly encourage men to step up and take the lead, for example, in the effective initiative against domestic violence, launched in India, called “ring the bell”.
Simply put, if you or I hear a disturbance at our neighbour’s place, we should not be afraid to ring their bell, knock on their door or phone them. This does two things. First, it interrupts the violence that is taking place. Second, it lets the perpetrator know that the community is watching – and particularly that other men are aware of what is going on. For we know that men listen to other men. Men care about their reputation with other men. And ringing the bell gets the message across that men who are violent are not socially acceptable.
This campaign is being led in South Africa by the Sonke Gender Justice Network. It works especially to encourage men and boys to take a stand and make a difference in promoting equality and preventing sexual and domestic violence.
Men must also speak up and call a halt to inappropriate language to, or about, women among their friends – even in jest. Subjects such as so-called corrective rape are never a laughing matter, as two FHM journalists recently learnt the hard way.
We must also help men who have messed up in the past to find a better way forward. As I write, the Zwelinzima Vavi saga is still unfolding, and the facts remain unclear. But at least he has had the courage to admit that an adulterous affair was wrong, and to apologise. Now the rape accusation has been dropped, he should drop his counter-charge.
In many of our cultures, where the sanctity of marriage has been abused, it may be appropriate for some restitution to be paid – but all this should be worked out through the proper channels, involving the wider families, as part of broader processes of restorative justice which pursue healing within the communities concerned. And where public figures are concerned, and betrayal of public trust is involved, there should also be genuine apology and contrition to the nation.
And, of course, where there has been rape, assault, sexual coercion or abuse of any sort, justice must be done, including through the courts.
Yet there is also much to celebrate this month. Some women don’t merely hold up half the sky – for them it seems that the sky is the limit. Nkosasana Dlamini Zuma has made history as the first woman chairperson of the AU. This month, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will take over leadership of UN Women, the three-year-old “new girl” among international agencies. In a world where there are many new challenges, from trafficking to online abuse, alongside older problems ranging from child brides to rape as a weapon of war, “we have to become smarter about how we fight these women’s issues”, she said in a recent interview. We wish her well as she takes on these new responsibilities.
I’d also like to take my hat off to Graça Machel, who so graciously, so modestly, and yet with such courage and strength of character, has been steadfastly at Madiba’s side these weeks, tending to his needs and the needs of a watching, waiting, nation.
Alongside these, we have many other women leaders and achievers taking over the baton from past generations – in politics, business, media, academia and every walk of life. We salute each one, and salute all those other strong women who, in just the ordinary everyday business of life, in and beyond the home, shoulder their responsibilities and do a good job. May these be the true role models for future generations of girls, as we celebrate the women of South Africa and work hard to create a today and tomorrow where they all can flourish, free from fear, and fulfil their true potential.
http://www.iol.co.za/sundayindependent/let-s-ring-the-bell-for-global-transformation-1.1557200#.Uf6c6OUaLIV
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
To the Laos - To the People of God, May 2013
Dear People of God
Our celebration of Easter is completed, as we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus Christ our Saviour, crucified and raised from death, and now seated at the Father’s right hand, where he never ceases to pray for each one of us. At times when I find life threatens to overwhelm me, I remind myself to put Jesus first. For now within the Godhead there is one who understands what it is to be human and to battle with life. And therefore his prayers for me embrace both perfect empathy with what I am going through, and perfect understanding of what I most need in that situation. There is no safer place to be, than held in the prayers of our risen and ascended Lord!
Yet I am also challenged to realise that in answering the prayers of others, God in Jesus Christ may be calling me to be part of his solution in some way. And of course, at Pentecost we celebrate the gift of God’s Holy Spirit, to enlighten our ability to grasp what he calls us to do, and encourage, equip and empower us to carry it out.
Sometimes within the Church we are better at words than action. We can be so caught up with the things of heaven that we prefer to rest there, finding a security away from life’s pressures. But one of the important emphases of the retreat I followed earlier in the year was that if we genuinely come to know and love Jesus more closely, then inevitably this love will find expression in sharing in his mission to the world, and in working for true peace with justice and for kingdom virtues in every area of life.
Here are two areas where I have been pondering how we translate words into actions. First is in relation to gender violence. Our media have been full of terrible atrocities against women and children. It touches every part of our society, though some are better at hiding it than others. So I was heartened to learn recently of the ‘Ringing the Bell’ campaign. This Indian initiative grew from awareness of intolerable levels of domestic violence within homes. The solution is very simple. When people hear noises that sound like something bad is going on, they just ring the doorbell, or knock at the door, or phone. I especially ask men and boys to take this initiative.
It does two things. First, it immediately interrupts whatever violence is taking place. Second, it lets the perpetrator know that the community – especially other men – are watching. We know men listen to other men. We know men care about their reputation with other men. And ringing the bell clearly gets the message across that men who are violent are not socially acceptable. The experience of India is that this is very effective indeed. You can read more on the website www.bellbajao.org.
Too often men are only portrayed as perpetrators of domestic and gender violence – whereas initiatives like this help enable us to be partners with women, in working for true equality, fairness and justice, in which we can all live in safety.
In the church too we must avoid any implications, in our teachings or behaviour that men and boys are in any way superior to women and girls, or entitled to dominate them. We know that the Bible was written in cultures where women were not equal. But Genesis is clear that in our creation, equally reflect God’s image and so are worthy of equal dignity and respect (Gen 1:27). The same equality is true in salvation, for ‘there is no longer male and female for all of you are one in Christ ‘(Gal 3:28).
The second area where I have been conscious that words must lead to action is education. This is a particular priority that I feel God has laid on my heart, since I have been so much involved in education through my adult life – and am so aware that it was educational opportunities that came my way which enabled me to follow the path that my life has taken.
When we look at this, and many other, situations, at how much needs to be done, and how little has been achieved, it is easy to be downhearted. As you know, one of my challenges is that we should not be so fixated with what is wrong, that we get dragged down. Instead we must keep our vision for what, by God’s grace, we can become, and let this sure hope be the focus and touchstone for guiding our policies.
Yet we cannot turn a blind eye to what is unacceptable. What we need, is to keep it in perspective by abiding in Christ. As we abide in him, we will grow in his love – and grow in seeing the world as he sees it, and so be caught up into his care and purposes. Looking at the bad from Christ’s perspective is the best way to face it.
And so, having been praying seriously for some time about education (perhaps you might find another area speaks to you), I now find myself caught up into all sorts of action that have really encouraged me in understanding that Christians can make a difference at all sorts of levels. I’m now acting individually, through the Church, and in supporting national initiatives.
On an individual level, a group of us who grew up in Alexandra are helping rebuild Pholosho school, and funding bursaries. Perhaps you can do something similar, or support a school indirectly connected perhaps through someone who works with or for you. But dare to put a human face on the problem. This will help open your eyes to the real needs of communities. Then, in Gauteng, Anglicans have the growing Vuleka school initiative. Our next project is building a boys’ boarding school.
And on a wider level, I’m adding my voice to the call for the Minister of Education to issue proper, decent, minimum infrastructure norms and standards for all schools. These must be specific and measureable, not broad and generalised, as in the latest draft which is a step backwards. As part of this campaign, I visited South Africa’s Eastern Cape last month, with a delegation including academics, writers, and human rights activists. Though we encountered heroic efforts by many educators and learners, we were also shocked and appalled by much of what we saw.
So we will not rest, but keep up the dialogue, keep up the pressure, with Provincial and National government. And the really good news is that this works. Within days of our visit, there was an official statement saying the President had directed the relevant department within the Presidency to look into the matter. Now we must ensure this is followed through – and every South African can join in sending letters to the President, Ministers, MPs, MECS, and newspapers; and phone radio stations, and blog, and post on Facebook and tweet. Let’s make a big noise!
Earlier this month I was in Canada, where Huron University College conferred on me an honorary doctorate. I said then, it is by God’s grace that I had the educational opportunities that allowed me to become who I am now – and so I receive this in acknowledgement of the many millions who struggled, and still struggle, with inadequate education. I hope that in saying this, I may contribute to the fight for decent education – as well as housing, sanitation and other basic needs, for all.
In other news, I am delighted that the Very Revd Willie Mostert, Dean of the Highveld, has agreed to be the new Provincial Executive Officer, in succession to Revd Canon Allan Kannemeyer. Willie, who takes up the appointment in October, brings extensive administrative skills, as well as deep pastoral experience. Do pray for him and Ursula as they prepare to relocate to the Cape. Pray also for Allan and Connie as they settle back into the Diocese of Pretoria. In the meantime, the Revd Keith Griffiths has kindly agreed to come out of retirement and help in the PEO’s office from June to September, and will act as Manager for Provincial Synod. Pray for him, and Gail Allen, Provincial Executive Administrator, and everyone else who will help in preparations for this important meeting in the life of ACSA.
Yours in the Service of Christ
+Thabo Cape Town
Our celebration of Easter is completed, as we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus Christ our Saviour, crucified and raised from death, and now seated at the Father’s right hand, where he never ceases to pray for each one of us. At times when I find life threatens to overwhelm me, I remind myself to put Jesus first. For now within the Godhead there is one who understands what it is to be human and to battle with life. And therefore his prayers for me embrace both perfect empathy with what I am going through, and perfect understanding of what I most need in that situation. There is no safer place to be, than held in the prayers of our risen and ascended Lord!
Yet I am also challenged to realise that in answering the prayers of others, God in Jesus Christ may be calling me to be part of his solution in some way. And of course, at Pentecost we celebrate the gift of God’s Holy Spirit, to enlighten our ability to grasp what he calls us to do, and encourage, equip and empower us to carry it out.
Sometimes within the Church we are better at words than action. We can be so caught up with the things of heaven that we prefer to rest there, finding a security away from life’s pressures. But one of the important emphases of the retreat I followed earlier in the year was that if we genuinely come to know and love Jesus more closely, then inevitably this love will find expression in sharing in his mission to the world, and in working for true peace with justice and for kingdom virtues in every area of life.
Here are two areas where I have been pondering how we translate words into actions. First is in relation to gender violence. Our media have been full of terrible atrocities against women and children. It touches every part of our society, though some are better at hiding it than others. So I was heartened to learn recently of the ‘Ringing the Bell’ campaign. This Indian initiative grew from awareness of intolerable levels of domestic violence within homes. The solution is very simple. When people hear noises that sound like something bad is going on, they just ring the doorbell, or knock at the door, or phone. I especially ask men and boys to take this initiative.
It does two things. First, it immediately interrupts whatever violence is taking place. Second, it lets the perpetrator know that the community – especially other men – are watching. We know men listen to other men. We know men care about their reputation with other men. And ringing the bell clearly gets the message across that men who are violent are not socially acceptable. The experience of India is that this is very effective indeed. You can read more on the website www.bellbajao.org.
Too often men are only portrayed as perpetrators of domestic and gender violence – whereas initiatives like this help enable us to be partners with women, in working for true equality, fairness and justice, in which we can all live in safety.
In the church too we must avoid any implications, in our teachings or behaviour that men and boys are in any way superior to women and girls, or entitled to dominate them. We know that the Bible was written in cultures where women were not equal. But Genesis is clear that in our creation, equally reflect God’s image and so are worthy of equal dignity and respect (Gen 1:27). The same equality is true in salvation, for ‘there is no longer male and female for all of you are one in Christ ‘(Gal 3:28).
The second area where I have been conscious that words must lead to action is education. This is a particular priority that I feel God has laid on my heart, since I have been so much involved in education through my adult life – and am so aware that it was educational opportunities that came my way which enabled me to follow the path that my life has taken.
When we look at this, and many other, situations, at how much needs to be done, and how little has been achieved, it is easy to be downhearted. As you know, one of my challenges is that we should not be so fixated with what is wrong, that we get dragged down. Instead we must keep our vision for what, by God’s grace, we can become, and let this sure hope be the focus and touchstone for guiding our policies.
Yet we cannot turn a blind eye to what is unacceptable. What we need, is to keep it in perspective by abiding in Christ. As we abide in him, we will grow in his love – and grow in seeing the world as he sees it, and so be caught up into his care and purposes. Looking at the bad from Christ’s perspective is the best way to face it.
And so, having been praying seriously for some time about education (perhaps you might find another area speaks to you), I now find myself caught up into all sorts of action that have really encouraged me in understanding that Christians can make a difference at all sorts of levels. I’m now acting individually, through the Church, and in supporting national initiatives.
On an individual level, a group of us who grew up in Alexandra are helping rebuild Pholosho school, and funding bursaries. Perhaps you can do something similar, or support a school indirectly connected perhaps through someone who works with or for you. But dare to put a human face on the problem. This will help open your eyes to the real needs of communities. Then, in Gauteng, Anglicans have the growing Vuleka school initiative. Our next project is building a boys’ boarding school.
And on a wider level, I’m adding my voice to the call for the Minister of Education to issue proper, decent, minimum infrastructure norms and standards for all schools. These must be specific and measureable, not broad and generalised, as in the latest draft which is a step backwards. As part of this campaign, I visited South Africa’s Eastern Cape last month, with a delegation including academics, writers, and human rights activists. Though we encountered heroic efforts by many educators and learners, we were also shocked and appalled by much of what we saw.
So we will not rest, but keep up the dialogue, keep up the pressure, with Provincial and National government. And the really good news is that this works. Within days of our visit, there was an official statement saying the President had directed the relevant department within the Presidency to look into the matter. Now we must ensure this is followed through – and every South African can join in sending letters to the President, Ministers, MPs, MECS, and newspapers; and phone radio stations, and blog, and post on Facebook and tweet. Let’s make a big noise!
Earlier this month I was in Canada, where Huron University College conferred on me an honorary doctorate. I said then, it is by God’s grace that I had the educational opportunities that allowed me to become who I am now – and so I receive this in acknowledgement of the many millions who struggled, and still struggle, with inadequate education. I hope that in saying this, I may contribute to the fight for decent education – as well as housing, sanitation and other basic needs, for all.
In other news, I am delighted that the Very Revd Willie Mostert, Dean of the Highveld, has agreed to be the new Provincial Executive Officer, in succession to Revd Canon Allan Kannemeyer. Willie, who takes up the appointment in October, brings extensive administrative skills, as well as deep pastoral experience. Do pray for him and Ursula as they prepare to relocate to the Cape. Pray also for Allan and Connie as they settle back into the Diocese of Pretoria. In the meantime, the Revd Keith Griffiths has kindly agreed to come out of retirement and help in the PEO’s office from June to September, and will act as Manager for Provincial Synod. Pray for him, and Gail Allen, Provincial Executive Administrator, and everyone else who will help in preparations for this important meeting in the life of ACSA.
Yours in the Service of Christ
+Thabo Cape Town
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
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)
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)
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