Category: Synod of Bishops

The Provincial Task Team appointed by Archbishop Thabo Makgoba to make recommendations on how best the Church can address discrimination issues at Diocesan schools tabled an interim report at the February meeting of the Synod of Bishops.

The team, headed by the prominent educationalist, Mary Metcalfe, was established after the 2020 Provincial Standing Committee discussed the controversy on social media earlier that year on the experience of past and present scholars at private schools, including Anglican schools.

The report tabled in February was its third, and its work continues. Pursuant to a request by the Church’s Provincial Media Committee at its February meeting, the Archbishop has directed that the full interim report should be published here.

Note: In response to an inquiry from the Sunday Times, Johannesburg, concerning the team’s work, Archbishop Makgoba said “I am happy that under the efficient leadership of Mary Metcalfe it has made a good start to its work.” He added:

“Our schools are not under the direct control of the Church. The schools are governed by their own councils, on which the Church is usually represented. From what I have heard, the schools welcome the dialogue and guidance which the Task Team facilitates.”

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Provincial Notices Synod of Bishops

DANCING IN THE NET OF GOD’S LOVE – Synod of Bishops

Post date 18th Feb 2022

A Communiqué of the Synod of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa

[Download a PDF copy below the text]

The Synod of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa was held from 14 to 17 February 2022, linking Bishopscourt and Diocesan Centres through video conferencing.

At the Opening Eucharist, the Rt Revd Dale Bowers, Bishop of St Helena, preached a powerful and thought-provoking homily on the Dance of the Trinity. This dance, which is a sign of God’s love, is for us, in us and working through us, embracing us in a mutual love that will not allow humanity to be destroyed but will rather restore hope to the world.

The Synod gave a special welcome to the Bishops-Elect of Mthatha and Mbhashe, to the Vicars-General of George, Namibia and Swaziland, and to the recently-consecrated Bishop of Lesotho, the Rt Revd Dr Vicentia Kgabe. Bishop-Elect Dalcy Dlamini was on retreat ahead of her Consecration and Installation on February 19.

Synod recognised that ACSA has taken a different shape as the result of the formation of a new Province for Angola and Mozambique.

The Death of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

We acknowledged with great gratitude the life and witness of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, whose remains are interred in St George’s Cathedral, Cape Town. The Synod sent a letter of condolence and comfort to Mama Leah Tutu OSC.

Canons and Church Order

The Synod was led by its legal officers in an informative reflection on the Canons, in particular those on Ministerial Conduct and Discipline. This gave us valuable working knowledge of the Canons in what has become a highly litigious environment.

Liturgical Committee

The report of the Liturgical Committee was received. Permission was granted to co-opt new members to work on the new Prayer Book. The Committee will give motivations for which Collects and Readings should be included. A progress report will be published on the Provincial website to enable all to engage.

Theological Education and the College Of The Transfiguration

Following a presentation by the Liaison Bishop for Theological Education, Synod recognised the importance of adhering to minimum theological qualifications for entry into Holy Orders.

Synod urged each Diocese to consider sending at least one student per year to COTT in order to keep the College viable as a vital cog in the ongoing mission of our Province.

The Archbishop’s Commission on Theological Education

The Commission’s report, entitled Take Thou Authority was presented by Prof Barney Pityana. Synod will hold a special sitting to engage with the report, reflecting our concern at the current crisis and our unequivocal commitment to excellence in Theological Education and Ministerial Formation.

Training and Development

Our February sessions customarily include input which helps us exercise our episcopal leadership more effectively. This year the Revd Fred Hendricks gave us daily addresses on Contemplative Prayer and Dr Palesa Makhale-Mahlangu gave us inspiring psychological insights and tools to help us prepare for retirement.

Theological and Pastoral Matters

The dance in the net of God’s love invited us to wrestle with a range of important Pastoral and Theological matters facing the Church, including the sacraments of Eucharist and Marriage and the issue of who are fit and proper people to exercise ministry.

Lay Presidency of the Eucharist: The newly-revived Southern African Anglican Theological Commission (SAATC) brought to Synod a report on the question of lay people presiding at the Eucharist in emergencies. The SAATC will facilitate a study of the matter and present a progress report to Synod.

Receipt of the Eucharist in One Kind: Restrictions imposed as a result of Covid-19 have revived debate around the efficacy and sufficiency of receiving the Eucharist in one kind. At present Communion in one kind only is permissible. When the Sacrament of the Blood of Christ is again available, only the common cup will be allowed. Bishops were urged to use this opportunity to teach the faithful on Eucharistic Theology.

Marriage: The Synod is hearing of confusion among the faithful around the issue of traditional marriages. Synod recognised that the Church needs to educate its people against the backdrop of Canon 34 on Holy Matrimony.

Isangoma: Synod deliberated on the issue of clergy who are embracing traditional practices such as training to be a diviner (Isangoma) and claiming that this is a call from the ancestors. The issue will be investigated before being further discussed by Synod.

Theological & Pastoral Framework for Ministry to LGBTIQ+ Community: The Bishops took a step towards adopting the Pastoral Standards as outlined in the 2019 Report by the Human Sexuality Commission. Guidelines will be presented at our next meeting to be adopted and presented to Dioceses.

Covid 19 Advisory Team

Synod urged all congregations to embrace and implement the guidelines produced by the Archbishop’s Advisory Team to guide us through the pandemic. In South Africa, the prohibitions embodied in the team’s guidelines are intertwined with government regulations and are therefore mandatory.

Safe Church Matters

Canon Rosalie Manning reminded Synod of the importance of compliance with Safe Church requirements, pointing out that failure to do so leaves ACSA exposed to legal consequences. Bishops were encouraged to ensure that their Dioceses have submitted Safe Church declarations.

Growing the Church

The new Director of Growing the Church, the Revd Bruce Woolley, encouraged the Bishops to advertise widely GtC’s online events and pointed to the availability of facilitators and resources, including Rooted in Jesus and Alpha courses.

Youth Report

Synod received a comprehensive framework for the spiritual development of children and the youth. Bishops were encouraged to workshop the material in the framework in their Dioceses.

The Environment

Environmental concerns were highlighted and referred to the relevant Liaison Bishop.

Task Team on Discrimination in Schools

Synod received a report from the Task Team, which is chaired by Ms Mary Metcalfe, and its work is ongoing.

Re-Imagining ACSA

An external team of facilitators invited the Bishops to reflect on their ministry with a view to identifying which model of church prevails in each of their Dioceses, using the categories identified by the American Jesuit theologian, Avery Dulles: Institutional; Herald; Servant; Sacrament; and Body of Christ. Against that background, Bishops were challenged to consider how they should take advantage of this special moment that God is giving us in the pandemic.

In Conclusion

While we feel intensely the loss of being in each other’s company, the Bishops engaged enthusiastically through electronic media, using with dexterity the “mute”, “unmute” and “camera” buttons for their deliberations and successfully forming a virtual community. The Archbishop was an ever-present virtual facilitator of proceedings.

We thank God for our fellowship and commend our work to Anglicans in our Dioceses of Lesotho, Namibia, St Helena, South Africa and Swaziland (in Eswatini).

February 17, 2022

[The communique was updated on February 22 by the addition of the note on the work of the Task Team on Discrimination in Schools]

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Synod of Bishops

Former Diocese of Natal cleric degraded

Post date 28th Sep 2021

The Synod of Bishops has resolved to confirm a sentence of degradation on a former priest of the Diocese of Natal after his conviction for sexual harassment.

The Revd Roland Prince was sentenced by a disciplinary tribunal of the Diocese of Natal in July. Under the Canons, degradation is the most serious disciplinary action that can be taken against a priest. As a result the sentence has to confirmed by the Synod of Bishops. The Synod sat last week.

In the language of the Canons, a sentence of degradation “deposes from Holy Orders” a priest. It removes his or her right to be referred to as “Reverend”.

Mr Prince was convicted under the Canons of: sexual harassment, conducting himself in “a sexually immoral manner”, and involving himself in “inappropriate relationships and activities which gave just cause for scandal or offence.”

In April a board of preliminary inquiry recommended that charges be brought against him. He resigned at the end of that month. The disciplinary tribunal sat in July. Two days after Mr Prince confirmed he would attend, he indicated on the day of the tribunal he would not attend. The tribunal went ahead in his absence.

Mr Prince’s name will now be placed on a register maintained by the church’s Safe and Inclusive Church Commission to ensure that he cannot be licensed as a priest in any other Diocese.

The victims worked at or were associated with workers at the parish in which Mr Prince served. In order to protect the identity of his victims, no details of the case which may lead to them being identified will be revealed.

Provincial Notices Synod of Bishops

Synod of Bishops – September 2021 – Communiqué

Post date 24th Sep 2021

A PDF version of this Communiqué, issued after the Synod’s meeting on September 20th and 21st is available below the text.

Communiqué

“I wish you to be shepherds with ‘the smell of the sheep’” – Pope Francis

The Synod of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa held our September meeting over two days on a virtual platform this year. The previous day the Synod spent a difficult but rewarding day in discerning the mind of Christ to fill two vacant Dioceses. We are glad to announce that Bishop Brian Marajh will assume the episcopal seat in Kimberley and Kuruman, and the Revd Dr Vicentia Kgabe has become the Bishop-Elect of Lesotho. The Bishops also agreed to the translation of Bishop Vicente Msosa of Niassa to the newly-established Missionary Diocese of Zambezia. The Synod of Bishops also, albeit reluctantly, agreed to the retirement of Bishop Luke Pato of Namibia.

This Synod of Bishops was a special occasion in the sense that it was the last time that the Bishops from our Portuguese-speaking Dioceses shared with us in our deliberations. We were joined by the Vicars-General of the newly established Dioceses of the Igreja Anglicana de Mozambique e Angola (IAMA).

Great gratitude and appreciation were expressed to Vicars-General who all excelled in providing leadership in vacant Dioceses, a number for unusually long periods during coronavirus lockdowns. The Bishops voted unanimously in favour of them being conferred with the title of Honorary Provincial Canon. The Synod of Bishops reflected on the implementation of the new Canon 4. In six elections that used the new provisions, only one Diocese was able to elect a Bishop. It was agreed that more fine-tuning to Canon 4 is needed if it is to serve the ACSA more effectively. A motion to this effect was passed by Synod and will now serve before Provincial Synod. The motion will ask Provincial Synod to approve the increase of the number of ballots from eight to ten before an election is referred to the Synod of Bishops. This arrangement will be valid only until the next Provincial Synod in 2024.

The Synod of Bishops discussed and endorsed a report proposing that the Diocese of Natal consider multiplying by establishing new, smaller Dioceses. Synod noted the positive experiences of Dioceses in other regions which have multiplied in the past, and the solid case which the Diocese of Natal presented for multiplication. It resolved to support the consideration of a motion on the matter at Provincial Synod. It also noted the need for a formal motion from the Synod of the Diocese of Natal to Provincial Synod in order to meet the requirements for due diligence.

Advocate Pansy Tlakula, Chairperson of the Information Regulator (South Africa), and a team from her office addressed Synod on the complexities of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and its implications for ACSA. Synod of Bishops learnt that as long as personal information is used for the purpose for which it was gathered we should not have problems. ACSA is to ensure that each Diocese and each parish must see to the appointment and registration of a POPIA compliance officer. The golden rule to adhere to in order to ensure compliance is G-O-D: personal information is to be Gathered, Organised (kept safe), and Destroyed when appropriate.

The Synod of Bishops learnt from Bishop Dintoe Letloenyane, Liaison Bishop for the youth, of the positive spirit amongst our youth. They seem to rise to opportunities in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Their ready use of online platforms to celebrate children and young people; the development of liturgies that are used to great effect on virtual platforms; their consistent messages to their peers not to be tempted to take part in the looting and arson in South Africa in early July; and their call to refrain from alcohol and substance abuse which the lockdown experiences seem to encourage are all positive and encouraging signs.

We rejoiced at the news of the publication of an abridged version of the Anglican Prayer Book in the Kwanyama language (indigenous to Namibia).

Canon Rosalie Manning from the Safe and Inclusive Church Network reminded the Bishops about the need to have on file from clerics (and bishops) any possible adverse information as to their conduct relating to the different categories of abuse. The Synod of Bishops was deeply saddened when it needed to confirm a Diocesan Tribunal sentence of degradation of an accused priest. The charges included sexual harassment.

The Bishops received a challenging report from the working group on Guidelines for Couples in Same Sex Unions. The need for a possible pastoral response was again emphasised and it was referred to Dioceses for further study. One of the slides in the presentation summed up our present situation: “Human Sexuality: our discomfort in talking about it. Our difficulty in learning about it. Could result in our misunderstanding of it, render us impotent in responding to it.”

Canon Manning gave us an update, on behalf of the ACSA COVID-19 Provincial Advisory Team, on our legal obligations in terms of the COVID-19 protocols. She also shared statistics and the impact of the pandemic and how it has brought about other challenges, for example, in areas such as mental health and Gender-Based Violence. Synod agreed to endorse the call for all to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Chairperson of the Task Team on Discrimination in Anglican Schools, Professor Mary Metcalfe, gave a progress report. The team have started to engage with heads and other representatives of Anglican schools. The engagements are a way of seeking collaboration to address discrimination at our Diocesan schools. The Bishops and Vicars-General were encouraged to take leadership in these initiatives.

Professor N Barney Pityana, who heads the Archbishop’s Commission on the College of the Transfiguration, Theological Education and Ministerial Formation, spoke powerfully on the challenges and opportunities which COVID presents to the Church when he referred to the special spiritual and theological moments which we are presented with during the pandemic. Deep questions about who and what we are must be reflected on in theological terms. At present our focus on Mission and Evangelism is compromised and we seem to shy away from grappling with and exploring the difficult questions which our present context presents.

Synod of Bishops received a report from Bishop Carlos Matsinhe of Lebombo on the development of the new Province of IAMA. We noted the consent of the Primates of the Communion to the establishment of the new Province, the adoption of the Constitution and Canons in the first Provincial Synod held on the 1st of September 2021, the creation of eight new dioceses, and the appointment of Vicars-General. The Bishops endorsed the process and commended it to Provincial Synod for final approval.

We gave thanks for the sterling work of the outgoing director of Growing the Church, the Revd Trevor Pearce and welcomed the appointment of his successor, the Revd Bruce Woolley. The Bishops pray that the Province will share their excitement about the upcoming Anglicans Ablaze Conference. ACSA will be hosting an international conference, so it will be good to see solid support from home.

Membership of the Provincial Order of Simon of Cyrene was to be conferred on Ms Di Oliver and Advocate Ronnie Bracks. The Revd Courtney Sampson and Revd Rachel Mash were to be bestowed with the Archbishop’s Award for Peace with Justice. We noted with pride the Lambeth decorations in the form of the Cross of St Augustine for Services to the Anglican Communion to the Revd Dr Rachel Mash and Bishop Luke Pato, and the Langton Award for Community Service to the late Bishop Ellinah Wamukoya.

PDF version follows:

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News Synod of Bishops

Communiqué from the Synod of Bishops

Post date 27th Feb 2021

Issued after their meeting from February 23 to 26, 2021.

Synod-of-Bishops-Communique-February-2021_final_revised Download

Dear People of God,

Grace and Peace be with you!

The Synod of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa met, prayed, discussed, and shared together under the leadership of Archbishop Thabo, Archbishop of Cape Town, and Metropolitan of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.

Due to the restrictions imposed on our various nations due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Synod of Bishops was held virtually. Notwithstanding the vagaries of technology and participants being occasionally disconnected, Synod was a success and the normal sense of collegiality enjoyed in our meetings was again evident.

The busy schedule centred around the daily offices and input from Mr Douglas Board, speaking from London, and Dr Annemarie Paulin-Campbell of the Jesuit Institute from Johannesburg. Their inputs on our Encounter with God, and our Spiritual Journey were deeply challenging and moving. Synod was inspired and empowered by their input, and deeply appreciative of the hard work put into their presentations.

Synod observed a moment of silence and offered prayers in memory of Bishop Ellinah Wamukoya who died recently from COVID-19 complications. She was a valued member of the Bench and will be greatly missed. May her soul rest in peace and rise in glory. Synod noted that the Archbishop of Canterbury has conferred, posthumously, the Langton Award for Community Service on Bishop Ellinah. The award, named after Stephen Langton (Archbishop of Canterbury in the 13th century), is made “for outstanding contributions to the community in accordance with the Church’s teaching”.

Synod of Bishops approved and gave authority under Article ii to dealing with Canon 4, Of the Election of Bishops, in the light of the lockdown restrictions imposed across all the countries of ACSA. This special resolution will permit the Archbishop to promulgate and hold Elective Assemblies, under special provisions, in those Dioceses currently without Episcopal leadership. The Elective Assemblies have twice been postponed due to lockdown restrictions, and it is imperative that we elect and consecrate episcopal leadership in these Dioceses. Synod expressed deep appreciation for the work of the Vicars-General who have served the Church so selflessly during this time of interregnum. Their ministry has gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Synod of Bishops gave further authority under Article ii on the holding of Vestries, Canon 27, that these may continue under the conditions approved by this Synod.

The motion approved at the last Provincial Standing Committee on Gender-Based Violence, and the need to increase the representation of women in positions of leadership in the local Church and the Province was endorsed. This important work was discussed in light of the serious threat posed by patriarchal dominance which seeks to destroy, often violently, the God-given ability of women and their call to leadership in the Church.

Synod of Bishops reflected on the challenges presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic. These included the economic and health issues before us. Time was spent exploring how we believe God is calling the church to minister and grow under these ‘new-normal’ circumstances.

Synod of Bishops noted the Provincial Synod to be held in September of this year, and the new date for the Lambeth Conference in 2022.

Synod was presented with the exciting and important developments within the Portuguese-speaking Dioceses of ACSA, which are to become a new Province in the Anglican Communion, named Igreja Anglicana de Moçambique e Angola (IAMA) (the Anglican Church of Mozambique and Angola). This development is indicative of the growth within ACSA for which we give God the glory. During Synod news from the Anglican Communion Office was received that approval has been granted for this project to continue in its exploration and preparation. Final approval for the creation of this new Province is still to be granted, but an important first step has been successfully completed.

Professor Mary Metcalfe, speaking on behalf of a highly qualified team, presented a progress report on their investigation into racism in Anglican Schools. This is an ongoing investigation. The work completed thus far has set a precedent for a way of listening and beginning the work of addressing the removal of the pain and disabling effect of racism, which for so many has been a lifetime of experience. It is clear this is a process and cannot be quickly addressed.

Lay Canon Rosalie Manning addressed Synod on both the Safe and Inclusive Church and Human Sexuality Commissions. The importance of this work cannot be over-estimated, and after discussion with the Bishops there was unanimous agreement that further work and training is required.

Synod noted the following with deep concern:

The impact of the insurgency in Cabo Delgado within the Diocese of Nampula in the north-eastern part of Mozambique, leading to loss of life and trauma for those living under this threat; and
The deteriorating situation in the Tigray Province of Ethiopia.

Synod expressed a unanimous desire that both these intolerable situations be addressed and resolved. Bishop Manuel Ernesto of Nampula was assured of our prayers at this time. The statement on Tigray published in the name of Archbishop Thabo was duly adopted. Synod also noted the damage inflicted on Mozambique by recent cyclones and assured the people of Mozambique of our prayers and support.

Synod was also told that the mortal remains which were exhumed during the building of the airport in St Helena are yet to be re-interred. Synod was requested to pray and bring moral pressure to bear for the remains to be accorded the dignity of reburial as a matter of urgency.

Several Bishops have been asked to stand in positions of leadership in both public and community life. Bishop Carlos of Lebombo chairs Mozambique’s National Elections Commission; Bishop Charles of the Highveld is the chair of the Church Unity Commission. It was also reported that the Revd Dr Vicentia Kgabe, Principal of the College of the Transfiguration, was invited to join the Board of the Theological Education by Extension College (TEEC). Synod also congratulated Bishop William, Christ the King and Bishop Vicente, Niassa, as well as Bishop Moses Madywabe and Bishop Eddie Daniels, on the anniversaries of their Consecrations. The news that the Revd Thandeka Vikilahle has been appointed as the first woman Dean of Mthatha was received with great joy.

A commitment was made to rediscover the important role the South African Anglican Theological Commission (SAATC) plays in our prophetic leadership and witness to the world. Bishop Raphael of Saldanha Bay chairs this Commission. There is a need to source additional and younger members of the Commission, and for discussion to filter deeper into the ACSA.

Time was spent exploring the role and future development of education in our Church. This included discussion on the important role of the College of the Transfiguration (CoTT), noting that the changing dynamics caused by the Pandemic and lockdown will necessitate a prayerful and bold process of envisioning. A strong plea was made that we support CoTT and not lose this heritage of which we can be justifiably proud. Synod approved the creation of a committee to explore further the developments already under way concerning CoTT.

Discussion also ensued on the role our Anglican Schools play in the life of the Diocese, the Church and Southern Africa. These schools play an important part in the life of the church and require our full support. Synod noted that the position of Executive Director of the Anglican Board of Education (ABE) is being advertised due to the contract with the Revd Roger Cameron having concluded. Synod expressed grateful appreciation for the sterling work and ministry of the Revd Roger Cameron. Synod agreed he would be made an Honorary Canon of the Province.

Synod of Bishops received a report from Bishop Dintoe, Free State, on our young people. Great appreciation was expressed for their leadership and life within the church and assured them of the support of the Bench of Bishops, and of our desire to see them assume their rightful place in the life of the church as an investment for our future and as an asset at this time.

Synod of Bishops discussed the issues around the motion from Provincial Synod giving the ACSA’s support for Palestine. A group appointed by the Archbishop has endeavoured to listen to both sides of the debate and has agreed to continue offering support to the people of Palestine in the light of the oppression and restrictions imposed upon them. The similarities with Apartheid cannot be ignored. Neither can we ignore that Scripture is used to condone this oppression. The use of Scripture challenges both the gospel and the church to address this issue in the light of Christ. In this we note the motion did not support the use of violence on either side of this conflict. Synod takes this matter seriously and has asked the Archbishop to bring it before Lambeth 2022.

Synod of Bishops gave their approval of a petition questioning the granting of permission for fracking in the Kavango Region of Namibia. The probability of environmental degradation occurring due to fracking is too great to ignore and must be carefully investigated before permission is granted. Synod was unanimous that drilling must be halted with immediate effect.

Bishop Charles, the Synod’s Liaison Bishop for the SACC, tabled an SACC Statement on the danger of South Africa being destabilised by the refusal of witnesses to appear before the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. Synod shared the SACC’s concern that disrespect for the law can destabilise South Africa. Given the country’s immediate past, South Africa cannot afford such a threat. Synod of Bishops supports the SACC’s call and asks parishioners to be vigilant in ensuring equality before the law for all. We call on all to respect and work to uphold the law. No one is or should be above the law.

In these uncertain times, the words of the First Letter of Peter on hope ring true: “Cast all your anxiety on Jesus because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) May it be so for each of you. Amen

[The Communique has been updated since first published to add the concern over St Helena, to correct the name of the new Province, and to make two other small corrections.]