The Most Revd Dr Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, will inaugurate a new Diocese of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa on 16 July 2010.  The Diocese of Mbhashe, centred upon Butterworth, was formerly part of the larger Diocese of Mthatha, but church growth and the needs of the church's mission to the area have led to the decision that it should become an independent region within the Church.  The inauguration will take place during a special service, at St Chad's Church, Butterworth, at 9.00am.

During the service, the Archbishop is expected to make a call for people of all faiths to observe 18 July, Mandela Day, as a day of particular thanksgiving to God, for the life of service which Nelson Mandela dedicated to the well-being of this country and of all its people.  This is in addition to dedicating 67 minutes of service to mark Madiba's birthday - for which the Archbishop has particularly commended the initiative of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Nelson Mandela Institute and Equal Education, to support reading and the provision of fully functioning libraries in schools (see http://archbishop.anglicanchurchsa.org/2010/07/celebrate-madibas-birthday-by.html).

Issued by the office of the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town

Inquiries: Ms. Sisanda Majikazana on 021-763-1320 (office hours)