Category: Provincial Notices

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba of Cape Town announced today that the Ven. Canon Dr. Makhosazana Nzimande will become the Church’s next Provincial Executive Officer with effect from March 1, 2021.

Dr. Nzimande will replace the Ven. Horace Arenz, who is retiring. She is currently Rector of All Saints, Ladysmith, and Archdeacon of Uthukela in the Diocese of Natal.

She holds a number of leadership positions internationally and locally, among them Vice-Moderator of the World Council of Churches Faith and Order Commission, a member of the Church’s Provincial Liturgical Committee and the Advisory Board for Theological Education, and, in the Diocese of Natal, as an Archdeacon and a member of the Diocesan Chapter and Board of Trustees.

She has previously served as Lecturer and Head of Department of the University of Zululand’s Department of Theology and Studies, as director of the Diocese of Natal’s Institute for Leadership Development and as a field organiser for the Diakonia Council of Churches.

Her PhD in Biblical Interpretation (Old and New Testaments) was earned at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University in the United States. She has Bachelor’s and Honours degrees from the University of Natal (formerly Durban-Westville) and undertook Anglican studies at Westcott House, Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

Updated November 25

Pause-Pray-Pledge – A Daily Programme for the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women & Girls Miranda Pillay [PDF] >>

International Anglican Women’s Network (IAWN) – 16 Days of Activism >>

IAWN hopes that these links, resources and examples will inspire and help Anglicans around the Communion to participate in this year’s international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence which run from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day). (Join webinars on different issues from Wednesday Nov 25 to Thursday Dec 10.)

We are facing four Pandemics, and one is “Gender-based Sexual Violence” – Growing the Church [PDF] >>

We are facing four Pandemics, and one is “Gender-based Sexual Violence”. Covid-19, Poverty/Greed, and Environmental Degradation are the other three, and we are addressing these in other forums. Let’s focus on GBV.

Hand in Hand: Bible studies to transform our response to Gender-based Sexual Violence – Tearfund [PDF] >>

This book explores passages from the Bible to help us gain some insight into the impact of sexual violence on our communities and churches, and to suggest ways we can respond. These Bible studies are designed to be used in small groups, such as Bible study groups, Mothers’ Union meetings, youth groups or other church groups.Church Resource Manual on Sexual Gender Based Violence – We Will Speak Out South Africa Coalition

TRANSFORMING MASCULINITIES: A training manual for Gender Champions – Tearfund [PDF] >>

Church Resource Manual on Sexual Gender Based Violence – We Will Speak Out South Africa Coalition:

88-page PDF >>

38-page PDF >>

The Shadow Pandemic: Violence Against Women and Girls and COVID-19 – UN Women >>

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Resolution of 2020 Provincial Standing Committee:

Resolution on Gender-based Violence

Noting with urgency that women are being murdered daily and that Gender-based violence is increasing in society at alarming levels. GBV is a cause of consequence of gender inequality and injustice.

Noting that Gender Based Violence is primarily violence perpetrated by men on women. These men are quite often a loved one, trusted leader or close relative.

Noting that in the context of this global pandemic, occurrences of GBV have increased making GBV a shadow pandemic.

Noting the presence of a Gender programme in ACSA with a comprehensive strategy, however without substantial resources to ensure effective implementation of the programme, which includes dealing with the scourge of GBV, Gender sensitisation and addressing the issues of masculinity.

Acknowledging the role of the church in being complicit in allowing GBV to go unchallenged and that GBV flourishes in an environment of silence, shame and stigma, of unbelief and avoiding so called difficult conversations and justice.

Acknowledging that patriarchy is evil, a sin and a heresy, especially when interpreting scriptures to reinforce concepts of male dominance and headship. It is evidenced in our teachings on the sanctity of marriage, family values and the subservience of women. It is also evidenced in our liturgy and language that excludes women.Acknowledging that as a province we have passed many resolutions on GBV, inclusive language, diversity and representation. It is time now to act.

Acknowledging the presence and work of the Safe Church Commission

This PSC hereby resolves:

1. That all dioceses revisit the communication from Synod of Bishops February 2020 that declared a state of emergency on GBV and immediately put in place a programme to deal with the scourge of GBV.

2. That each diocese has a dedicated gender officer or task team that liaises with HOPE Africa as well as all provincial organisations involved in training and programmes on GBV, so that these programmes get to diocesan and parish level.

3. The Provincial Liturgical Committee create a Season that focus on GBV, with Readings, Prayers, Liturgical materials, Sermon outlines and materials for Small Group Bible Studies.

4. That we ensure that all our liturgies are transformed to be gender inclusive and all dioceses request that each Parish uses these gender inclusive liturgies.

5. That we immediately stop referring to male priests as “Father” and begin to use more gender inclusive titles like Reverend, Moruti, etc.

6. That we respectfully request the Metropolitan to request the Anglican Theological Commission to identify doctrines, beliefs and practices that need to be eliminated to ensure that our teachings and practices are life-giving for both women and men. These should include but not be limited to theologies of male headship, female submission, family values, codes of purity, discourses of protection and pity.

7. That we respectfully respect the Archbishop to declare a theme for Lent of 2021 to focus on GBV.

8. To strive to have equal representation of women at all leadership and decision making levels of the church.

9. That the ACSA budget includes an adequate financial allocation to deal with GBV.

10. That all Dioceses adopt and promote the “Thursdays in Black” campaign against GBV.

11. That the liturgical committee write a prayer for women (like the Prayer for Africa) to be prayed at every Eucharistic celebration.

12. That men become more involved in challenging patriarchy and GBV. This should begin with a men’s webinar, where men speak about their experience of male privilege.

BELOVED OF GOD

This six week course was written in response to a motion of Provincial Synod 1999 concerning violence against women. 

It has been reprinted and the information updated as material to deal with this topic on a parish level is very urgently needed in our society today.  The need for material was emphasized again at Provincial Synod 2019 and Provincial Standing Committee in 2020.

It can be used at any time of the year.

Two books are provided for the course:

Leaders Guide @ R50  each

Participants Workbook  @ R40 each. (contains all the handouts)

The  6  week Course covers:

Susanna – Beloved of God – reflection on Daniel 13.  All are beloved of God

Abused Women – considers at the abuse of power

Battered women –  looks at the cycle of violence

Raped women – Bible Study on Tamar /effects of rape on women

Afraid women – to help men and women come to know God is a loving God

ALL OF US – Beloved of God – breaking forms of oppression.

Available from: orders@anglicanchurchsa.org.za

ACSA Publishing Committee

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Applications are invited for this year’s educational grants for children of clergy from the Robert Selby Taylor Will Trust.

The deadline for this year’s applications is August 31, 2020.

Under the rules of the trust, grants are limited to the children of stipendiary clergy only. Applications should be submitted to Bishopscourt, endorsed by the Bishop of the Diocese in which the cleric applying for a grant is licensed.

The grants do not cover the costs of clergy studies or pre-school and preparatory education. The Robert Selby Taylor Will Trust Fund should be regarded as “last resort” rather than first port of call for funding.

To download full details and an application form, click on the links below:

The Diocese of Johannesburg is seeking a new Diocesan Executive Officer (DEO).

This self starter will form part of the diocesan leadership team and support the bishop, finance and trust board to fulfill their duties and support the work of God in this part of the vineyard.

Interested persons may see the details of the advertisement for the position here

A detailed role description can be found here

The application form is available online here.

Closing date: 31st May 2020 at 23:59

Postponement of the Consecration of the Bishop of Table Bay (Diocese of Cape Town)

A decision has been taken to postpone the Consecration service of the Bishop of Table Bay which was scheduled to take place on Saturday 2nd May 2020.

As soon as the lockdown has been lifted, a new date will be confirmed.

The Ven Horace Arenz

Provincial Executive Officer

The Elective Assemblies which were scheduled to take place on the following dates have been postponed indefinitely:

Kimberley & Kuruman / 23-24 April 2020 /  Now postponed indefinitely

Lesotho / 25-26 April 2020  /  Now postponed indefinitely

Natal / 5-6 May 2020 /  Now postponed indefinitely

Zululand / 8-9 May 2020 / Now postponed indefinitely

New dates will be fixed post the “lock down”.

Many thanks and regards

The Ven Horace Arenz

Provincial Executive Officer

A fraudster using the name of Archbishop Thabo appears to have accessed a number of email addresses for clergy and church officials and is appealing for funds in the Archbishop’s name.

Most emails seem to come from one of two identities on a gmail account: chairmancommitee, or memeberoffice.

The fraudster asks for “an urgent ewallet/EFT transfer to my cousin whom I need to pay”, promises to pay the money back and adds: “P.S: I am in a meeting now and can’t talk, just reply back.”

Beware!

Provincial Executive Office

The Right Revd Thomas (Tom) Shaun Stanage, formerly Bishop of the Diocese of Bloemfontein (since renamed the Diocese of the Free State), died on March 19.

Bishop Tom was born in Ireland in 1932 and was educated at Pembroke College, Oxford. He served in South Africa from 1970, becoming Dean of Kimberley in the 1970s. There he became known as the “Flying Dean” – he was a trained pilot who flew a light aircraft.

He was later elected Suffragan Bishop in Johannesburg and was translated to Bloemfontein in 1982.

Known for his opposition to the ordination of women, he and the Revd Wilma Jakobsen, then a deacon from the Diocese of Cape Town, charmed members of Provincial Synod in 1992 when, after the Synod decided to ordain women as priests, they sat down at a piano and played a duet together. Wilma was ordained priest a few months later.

After retiring, Bishop Tom lectured in theology at the University of the Free State. He was awarded the degree of Doctor of Divinity honoris causa from Nashotah House in 1986.

(With acknowledgements to Sandy Botha of Bloemfontein and Wikipedia)

The Right Revd Edward Mackenzie, former Bishop-Suffragan in the Diocese of Cape Town, died in California on Saturday March 14.

Bishop Mackenzie and his wife, Sylvia, moved to the United States after his retirement, where his daughter, the Revd Vanessa Mackenzie, served as rector of the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Los Angeles.

Bishop Edward, like his daughter, was ordained in the Diocese of Johannesburg, and later moved to Cape Town, where he was elected suffragan to Archbishop Desmond Tutu at a time when the original Diocese – which stretched to the Namibian border and halfway to George – decided to appoint a third suffragan.

Bishop John H. Taylor of Los Angeles visited Bishop Edward in hospital, where he was battling cancer, a few days before his death.

Bishop Taylor wrote on his Facebook page that Bishop Edward was “in good spirits under the circumstances,” telling stories of the church’s involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle. Bishop Taylor added: “While we talked, the bishop, always a pastor, kept an eye on the young man in the next bed, Carlos, to make sure he was all right. As I left, I whispered to Carlos, ‘He’s a very great man.’ Carlos smiled and said, ‘I know.’”

It is planned that after a private cremation in the USA, his ashes will be interred after a funeral service in Johannesburg.

Postponement of Aqua Cluster  Mother’s Union Lady Day Celebrations in George

In the light of the on-going developments resulting from the corona virus, and after consulting with medical experts and convening a consultation between the four Bishops of Cape Town, Saldanha and False Bay we,  the Diocese of George,  as hosts to the planned Cluster Lady Day celebrations on Saturday, 28th March 2020 ,  wish to announce the postponement of this event. 

We are doing this simply in compliance with the protocols and guidelines issued by our National and International Church Leaders and in accordance with President Ramaphosa’s statement on Sunday March 15. We are also following the mandates of health professionals and local leaders, while preparing for any possible developments without causing premature panic or introducing unnecessary measures. 

Ultimately it is our concern for the health and well-being of our people that has led us to this decision. 

May God, almighty, infinite in His mercy and mighty in His healing power protect and heal those infected and all of us as we are affected. 

Your servant in Christ, 

+ Brian Marajh

Bishop of George

The Synod of Bishops has discussed a draft set of pastoral guidelines to apply when Clergy want to participate in party political activities. They are a work in progress, and they are published below for public information.

DRAFT

The Pastoral Guidelines for Bishops to apply when Clergy assume Public Pastoral Office along Party Political Lines

Preamble

We recognise the vocation to ministry of the Whole People of God through Baptism. Sacred Scripture uses various images to give us an understanding of the inner nature of the Church.

The Church is a sheepfold whose single and necessary gate is Christ. (c/f John 10:1-10). It is the Holy Temple; it is the Home of God in which God’s Family dwells.

It is from our understanding of the Church as the Body of Christ, made up of the many and diverse members, who need the care of the Bishop and all the Clergy working together with the Laity to maintain the bonds of unity and affection, that we recognise the need for oversight and pastoral care.

We recognise and accept that the Church must be a Place of Sanctuary for all People in their diversity.

Civil Society is made of a complexity of political affiliations held by citizens. The Church needs to embrace them all in her care.

We recognise that formal public affiliation to any Political Party could lead to Conflict of Allegiance for a licensed cleric in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa. For example, in Mozambique political campaigning along Party Political lines, is prohibited from taking place in Churches. Clergy, in fact, are invited to Chair Election Process Meetings, precisely because of their neutrality.

We believe, therefore, based on our ecclesial and theological understanding of our vocation as Ministers of the Church of God, certain Guidelines ought to be put in place to regulate our common calling to this ministry.

Therefore, based upon the existing Canons in ACSA and in other ecclesial bodies governing the life of the Clergy in respect of taking on secular employment. Furthermore, in the party-political sphere, we recommend that the following guidelines be applied.

The Guidelines

1. It is incumbent that a Cleric shall always without exception, in the first instance, arrange for an interview with the Bishop to discuss the possibility of “entering the arena of public office and to be in involved in party politics”.
2. This conversation shall be deemed NECESSARY before any decision is made by the Cleric.
3. Failure to have this discussion (and only informing the Bishop afterwards, or the Bishop discovering in the media or in other ways that the Cleric has entered politics) shall lead to revocation of the Cleric’s license.
4. Provided that a full discussion has taken place and full disclosure made of the Cleric’s intentions in the arena of Public Office, the Bishop may in consultation with the Synod of Bishops, grant the Cleric to hold a Permission to Officiate (POT) with the following conditions.

• 4.1 The Cleric shall not be licensed to any formal office of ministry in the Diocese but may function on an occasional basis.

• 4.2 The Cleric may exercise such ministerial duties, only when invited to do so by competent ecclesiastical authority, on an occasional basis.

• 4.3 The Bishop shall inform the Diocese of the new status of the Cleric concerned i.e. that the Cleric holds a PTO and may be invited to exercise legitimate priestly ministry on an occasional basis.