The TAC’s Anglican Church in Southern Africa
The church in Southern Africa is alive and flourishing!
Report by The Right Reverend Michael Gill
THE steady progress made by (the late) Bishop Trevor Rhodes has been consolidated and parishes are gathering momentum.
Southern Africa is faced with many hardships. Unemployment and poverty are the order of the day, but despite this, the spirit of optimism and the high quality of worship and fellowship means that the church is vibrant and lively. Luckily, in the very remote areas, people are not measured by their possessions, as is often the case in more affluent places, but by their inherent qualities of spirituality, care and character. This means that the vitality of worship is wonderful. I wish all of your readers could experience it!
Mercifully, Zimbabwe seems to be turning a corner, and Fr Murinda, the Vicar General recently brought a tithe from the people of Zimbabwe of R1,000 to be banked in South Africa! That level of generosity from such poor people is very moving. I believe that we can all learn from them.
Some recent events:
- The Confirmation of 45 candidates took place in Botshabelo, in the Free State at a moving and beautifully organized service. Our thanks go to Canon Jacob Masakala.
- Holy Trinity Parish in Mamelodi (Pretoria) celebrated Pentecost Sunday with the Bishop and 13 people were confirmed.
- A wonderful visit to St Patrick’s Parish, Hammarsdale, with Fr Dlamini, Fr Moshoadiba and Deacon Gabela. This was to see the damage caused by a freak storm in the area. We presented the people with a new chalice and paten for Holy Mass.
- 9 candidates were confirmed in St Andrews Parish in Johannesburg in May. The church is so full that they will need to expand soon. The parish has recently installed a pipe organ and the former Johannesburg Cathedral organist now leads the choir.
- St Matthias Parish in Ga Rankuwa brought 7 Candidates for Confirmation.
- The Bishop, Fr Peart and Fr Kuhne travelled to All Saints Pro Cathedral for Good Friday and led the service there. The Bishop preached, using the Seven Words from the Cross, and the service was led by Fr Paul Setati. As always, the organization and participation was excellent.
- The Ordination of two Priests (Fr Isaiah Molemi and Fr Francis Ward) and a Deacon (Deacon Philane Gabela) took place at Holy Cross in Pretoria.
In an area that is starved for resources, I am always encouraged at the patience and dedication of the people. Far from moaning and complaining, they get on with the job of being a good Christian wherever it is that God has placed them. The clergy, too, work without complaint, despite the hardships they face and give of themselves in the service of the Gospel.
I am aware that this does sound ‘rosy’, but that is not always so. We have had difficulties with a few clergy, and one who has left us has been charged with theft. Another has left for another church where he feels the opportunities for him are better. We wish him well.
Please pray for us in Africa. That is all we ask of you. We, for our part will pray for you also, and ask our heavenly Father to bless your parishes as He is blessing ours.
A warm African greeting to you all from the people of St Patrick’s, Hammarsdale
