wfn.org | (CPSA Synod) ARCHBISHOP'S CHARGE SETS THE TONE FOR SYNOD

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@wfn.org>]

^From the Media Office Reporters
Anglican Church of the Province of Southern Africa

(This article is an edited version of the full charge -- which is 
available online at the CPSA web site - http://www.cpsa.org.za/)

The Archbishop of Cape Town, The Most Revd Njongonkulu 
Ndungane, presiding over the first Provincial Synod, delivered a 
thought provoking and challenging charge to the 29th Session of 
Provincial Synod.

The Archbishop adopted the concept of "Journey to Wholeness" as 
the overarching theme for this session of Synod.  The theme is 
deeply rooted in the Biblical tradition and the pastoral experience of 
the Christian community.  It arises from God's invitation to all 
creation to discover its unity and wholeness. 

The Archbishop said:
"We have not lived well with our differences.  We have allowed 
them to form the basis for exclusion, prejudice and intolerance." 
The Archbishop challenged the Church to live with 'Difference and 
Otherness' and to start to learn how to celebrate the wealth of 
difference that God has created".  

The Archbishop sketched a journey down memory lane drawing 
attention to some significant milestones in the history of the 
CPSA.  Memory is deeply rooted in our Church Tradition and 
skillfully the Archbishop wove into his text the rich tapestry of 
diversity of the leadership that has helped to shape the profile of 
the CPSA.

Our founder Robert Gray has been firmly placed in the memory of 
the Anglicans in Southern Africa and the Charge reminded Synod 
of its origin.  Former Archbishops were aknowledged for the rich 
contributions they made.  Njongonkulu said of  Desmond Tutu:
"The courageous leadership of Desmond Tutu during the standing 
for the Truth Campaign in the latter part of the 80's which saw the 
collapsing of the granite wall of apartheid is to be singled out for 
praise."

THE WELFARE OF CLERGY
The Archbishop also acknowledged the work of the clergy in the parishes of
the dioceses in the Province.  The Archbishop expressed particular concern
for the  welfare of Clergy and their families.  He said: 
"There have been two commissions in the Province looking at the welfare of
the clergy.  It is one thing to accept recommendations at a Provincial
meeting.  However it is another thing to see that these recommendations are
 implemented."

In a wide-ranging section of his Charge the Archbishop analysed several
factors which he saw as challenges to wholeness. He began by referring to
the ecumenical climate and the various attempts being made to foster unity
amongst the Churches. The Archbishop referred to the work of the Church
Unity Commission and the WCC.  In a special section he applauded the work
of ARCIC and the African Anglican Lutheran Dialogue.

In the final section the Archbishop drew attention to the needs of children
and young people. He said:  "Young people are the constituency of our
church who will be the leadership of tomorrow.  Their presence in our
parishes often goes unacknowledged and their needs are ignored.  The
resources we offer to equip them for faith and life are woefully inadequate."

The Archbishop concluded his reflection on "The Journey to Wholeness" by
pointing to some route markers on this journey.  These included, he said,
the place of education and training for ministry in our church.

In conclusion, the Archbishop said:
	"We have reflected  on that diversity within the wholeness that is the
Trinity.  We have 
considered some of the challenges and threats to our wholeness; threats
posed by poverty, violence and prejudice.  We have reminded ourselves of
the value of education.  This week in our bible studies on the letter to
the Ephesians we will again look at the journey to wholeness. 
 	
In our debates and our socialising in our worship and leisure, during 
the course of this session of Synod, may we look for ways to allow 
our diversity to mirror the divine diversity, rather than allow our 
diversity to divide us from ourselves and one another."

"The Archbishop's Charge" is available in print and copies have 
been given to each member of Synod and every cleric in the 
Province will receive one. Enquiries may be directed to: 
THE MEDIA OFFICE:  PO BOX 1932, CAPE TOWN 8000;   FAX 
(021) 465 1571.

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Item submitted by the CPSA Provincial Synod Media Team
Synod meeting in Durban, Diocese of Natal, South Africa

Tel  +27 (31) 260 2445  --  Fax  +27 (31) 260 1633
http://www.cpsa.org.za/ -- cvd@letterbox.com
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