OR Tambo, Keith Griffiths receive ACSA award

The Archbishop’s Award for Peace with Justice was conferred upon O R Tambo, posthumously, and on the Revd Keith Griffiths at a service marking the 150th anniversary of the Province on Tuesday.

The service was hosted in the Bishopscourt chapel in Cape Town, joined by a representative of the Tambo family at the Diocese of Johannesburg. The service was held under conditions of coronavirus lockdown during the annual meeting of the Provincial Standing Committee.

The citation for Mr Tambo, leader of the ANC in exile, noted that he attended Holy Cross Mission School at Flagstaff, then went on to study at St. Peter’s School, Rosettenville, and to live in Beda Hall, the Anglican hostel at the University of Fort Hare.

“The life of Oliver Tambo was rooted in his Christian faith and in the Anglican Church,” the citation added. Father Trevor Huddleston became his “religious model” and Bishop Ambrose Reeves accepted him for ordination training. But his arrest ahead of the Treason Trial, then being sent into exile, thwarted him. Mr Tambo was also credited with winning over leaders of the World Council of Churches to support the liberation struggle.

The citation for Father Griffiths said his devotion to liturgy and liturgical renewal has been central to his ministry.

“He has served on the Steering Committee of the International Anglican Liturgical Consultation and was recently elected as its Chairperson,” the citation contiuned.

“He loves all things liturgical and is willing to experiment with new liturgies, always meticulous in ensuring that the words and the flow of worship fit well together. His dedication to preparing worship and liturgies for Provincial Synod and Provincial Standing Committee has been exemplary.

“Across the Christian Church in Southern Africa, Keith is known as a pastor with an ecumenical spirit. He is well respected for his work with Ekklesia and the publication of Word and Worship, which focuses on the Revised Common Lectionary. His ability to write, edit and distribute liturgical resources is phenomenal and he ensures that areas that are difficult to reach are not left behind.”

The service at Bishopscourt was webcast live on Facebook.