wfn.org | [ACNS] Anglican pastoral visit to the diocese of Swaziland

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

ACNS 3851     |     SOUTHERN AFRICA	 |     14 JULY 2004

Photographs for this item can be found here:

http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/38/50/acns3851.cfm

A pastoral visit to the diocese of Swaziland

Peace and Reconciliation, a communiqui - Sunday 11 July 2004

Led by The Archbishop of Cape Town

In response to a request from the Bishop of Swaziland, the Rt Revd Meshack 
Mabuza, the Primate of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa (CPSA) 
- the Most Revd Njongonkulu Ndungane - formed a delegation of Anglican 
Communion leaders to visit Swaziland from 8-10 July 2004.

According to Bishop Mabuza, Swaziland now stands at a pivotal moment in its 
history, where the immediate days ahead could mean new life, new hope, and 
new expressions of common goals for an already united people; a people 
seeking a brighter future for its children and indeed working for the dream 
of a generation free from HIV/AIDS.

As the delegation recounted its experience in Swaziland, it was resolved to 
stand firmly with the Bishop and his people, and assist in any way possible 
to see the Church's goals to fruition. Links with the global church, 
delegation members said, could be an effective way of caring for each 
other. Swaziland, they continued, did not stand in isolation but was in the 
prayers and thoughts of fellow Anglicans, especially through the unique 
links within the CPSA, the Diocese of Washington and the Diocese of Brechin 
(Scotland).

The Bishop of Swaziland and his Chapter, as well as clergy and lay leaders 
of the growing diocese, welcomed the delegation, and presented to their 
guests their shared concerns and enabled the delegation to meet with civic 
and political leaders, ambassadors and officers of embassies and church 
leaders. An unprecedented meeting with the Queen Mother of the Kingdom and 
two significant meetings with the Prime Minister were part of the 
programme. The Archbishop and the team assured the Prime Minister of their 
prayerful support as he seeks to serve Swaziland's people from all walks of 
life to bring about changes that could benefit all.

The culmination of the visit was marked by a great service - steeped in the 
finest liturgical traditions of Anglicanism - accompanied by spirited 
vibrant music and warm expressions of Christian fellowship. An outpouring 
of love and Christian compassion was experienced by the delegation during 
its visit and it met with one of the first women ordained in the diocese - 
the Revd Ooma Marumbela - at her chapel and centre at St Margaret's Church. 
The delegation was welcomed by the smiles and embraces of a host of 
AIDS-orphaned children that Mother Ooma has taken into her care. More 
evidence of the commitment of the young clergy to their people came with 
helpful presentations on AIDS ministry by the Revd Bheki Magongo and on the 
current "State of Affairs" by Canon Josiah Mahlalela.

The delegation also heard the cries for help of many from various 
organisations and from church leaders and heard their fears for the future 
of Swaziland and for the need for the authorities to heed the warning signs 
of unrest and concern in a number of areas, including the increase in 
HIV/AIDS, the need for the rule of law and the need for a strong and 
inclusive constitution, with special regard for the plight of women, those 
working for a more democratic government and others whose marginalisation 
is still evident in society. Although homogenous in language and culture, 
there have been warning signs of unrest and discontent with the current 
systems in place, signalling a possible disaster in the near future. Calls 
for accountability and the urgent need for capacity building to receive aid 
and support were a common thread during the visit. The staggering rise in 
HIV/AIDS, noted just a day before in the United Nations report on AIDS, and 
the fact that seven out of 10 live on!
  less than US$1 per day is shocking.

The call for dialogue, especially in reference to the governance of the 
country, came from people deemed conservative and progressive alike. It was 
the hope of the delegation that the Anglican Church can provide a safe 
haven, literally in its buildings and churches, where dialogue can happen 
without threat or coercion. An appropriate environment for constitutional 
development is an utmost concern to avoid future crises, as there appears 
to be no stated way forward in the eyes of those the delegation 
encountered. Many were open in their comments on the moral decay prevalent 
in society and the need to express a passion for the people, with 
leadership responding from the heart. The constant plea for the serving of 
the people and the king, in a truthful and creative way, was shared time 
and again.

The Anglican Church in Swaziland has made a pledge to mobilise its people 
for effective ministry and evangelisation, while addressing - with the help 
of the wider Anglican Communion - the growing needs in areas of justice, 
poverty, hunger and disease.

The delegation concluded, "It is clear that church leaders feel that the 
welfare of their country is indeed a foremost church concern. The struggle 
belongs to all. The need for a strong church - one that is confident, not 
arrogant - is a key factor for the way ahead. We realise these are 
dangerous times for the human race. Our plea is that Anglicans and people 
of goodwill worldwide will join in our prayer for peace and reconciliation 
for Swaziland, a precious gem in the African crown."

The Most Revd Njongonkulu Ndungane
Archbishop of Cape Town and Metropolitan, CPSA

The Rt Revd David Beetge
Dean of the Province, CPSA

The Rt Revd Brian Smith
Bishop of Edinburgh, Scottish Episcopal church
(Representing the Archbishop of Canterbury)

The Rt Revd John Chane
Bishop of Washington (USA)

The Rt Revd Dinis Sengulane
Bishop of Lebombo (Mozambique)

The Revd Canon John L. Peterson
Secretary General, The Anglican Communion

Canon J M Rosenthal
Director of Communications, The Anglican Communion

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