My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ
It is with great heaviness of heart that I write this reflection. The violence of the past weeks is reminiscent of that of our townships in flames during the 1980's and, even though the violence appears to be coming under control, the hurt and damage to people's lives is incalculable. And Jesus weeps.

Everyone has their own belief and theory as to why this violence has erupted. To name but a few; xenophobia and tribalism, the failure of service delivery of our government, the lack of any coherent refugee policy, corrupt police and officials, rising levels of poverty and crime, and the perceptions that foreign nationals are involved in crime and are stealing jobs because they are willing to work for lower salaries. Many of these factors are undoubtedly cause for discontent and are probably fueling the violence. Nevertheless, we have lived with almost all of these things for a considerable period of time without resorting to violence, and so the question as to why the violence has erupted remains to be satisfactorily answered.

Deeply disturbing is the fact that, at all the meetings I have attended, there seems to be a general acknowledgement that for the most part the violence is neither haphazard nor random, but rather carefully orchestrated, with specific homes targeted while those around are ignored. While the government has blamed the violence on 'criminal elements,' others are speaking of a 'third force' at work. Who such a force might be, if it exists, or why it is at work is, as yet unclear, but the levels of the intentional targeting of victims does suggest that the discontent is being deliberately manipulated and that many of those involved in the violence or sympathetic to it are pawns in the schemes of others. I therefore urge everyone to be especially cautious about what we hear, especially when what we are told feeds the sense of discontent, anger and violence.

In times of discontent, the danger is always that we look for someone to blame and, with emotions running high, we almost always end up with simplistic answers that are not true and people become scapegoats, unfairly accused and bearing the brunt of the anger of others. It is very clear from recent surveys and that immigrants and refugees have become the scapegoat of the moment and the focus for deep angers that have little directly to do with them. The open anger and hostility shown towards Jacob Zuma when he appealed for peace at a meeting on the East Rand is an indication that the real sources of the anger being vented on refugees and immigrants lie elsewhere.

That there is much that is happening in this beautiful land of ours that is cause for great concern. Our education and health systems are in crisis, as is the provision of electricity and housing; crime and corruption is rife; the quality of service delivery in almost all sectors of government is appalling and our national, provincial and city leaders and employees are seldom held accountable for either incompetence, non-delivery or corruption. All this is just cause for anger and discontent, but little if any of it can be blamed on either immigrants or refugees. If all immigrants and refugees were suddenly to leave, the situation of crisis in our country would not change much, if at all. The problem lies within ourselves and our new South Africa and unless we face our own failures we are sowing the seeds of our own self destruction and many of our Chapter 9 organisations (Chapter 9 of the Constitution -; eg Human Rights, Gender Commission, etc) are saying that it is only a matter of time before the present xenophobia degenerates into open tribal and racial conflict.

Such a move would be disastrous for our land and is not the way it should be for a country where the vast majority of people profess to be Christians. The way of Christ is the way of non-violence and peace. Others, whatever their race, tribe, or faith are our brothers and sisters created in the image of God and precious in God's sight. "An injury to one is an injury to all and an injury to Christ himself, for Christ indwells all his children - "I tell you the truth, whatever you did to the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me." As Christians we cannot condone violence, nor participate in it, nor support it from a distance. Violent means can never bring about a just end. Evil begets evil and only serves to increase the hurt and brokenness of our world. I appeal to you in the name of Christ not to ally yourselves either in thought or action with those who embrace evil means. As Christians we must stand up against evil and oppose what is being done. There is much that we can do, and much that we need to be doing to combat the xenophobic violence that has swept our land and taken root in our hearts:-

• Pray.

• Examine yourself and seek God's help so that that we may all begin to see others as brothers and sisters created in the same image of Christ;

• Begin conversations with family members, friends and neighbours about what is happening in our land and to speak out against xenophobia, tribal prejudices, and the scapegoating of individuals or groups;

• Speak to your parish block leader or local councilor and encourage them to call meetings to condemn the violence;

• Join your local community policing forum as a way of showing clear and active support for those who are being threatened and where friends and neighbours are possible targets, offer them a place of refuge;

• Do not move into the evacuated houses of those who are fleeing the violence and report those who do to the police;

• Support the relief appeals being made through your parish and diocese.

Many of you have already responded with enormous generosity to our appeals for help and some parishes have already sent many tons of supplies for distribution to those who are in places of safety and refuge. I thank you all. But we need to go further than simply denouncing evil and engaging in simple humanitarian acts of kindness. As I said earlier, the problem lies within ourselves and there is a need for change of heart and a new sense of purpose if we are to bring about the transformation we so desperately long for and even more desperately need. It begins with the prayer, "Change my heart, O God," for demands of us a willingness to be God's instruments of change. I want to suggest four areas where change is necessary in each of us:-

• We need to commit to real transformation in our land, not the kind of BEE enrichment where a very few acquire huge wealth while the overall levels of poverty continue to increase. We need to learn to live more simply in order that others may simply live. This will require of us a significant shift not just in attitude, but also in behaviour. We need to deliberately and intentionally move away from our quest for ever more affluent lifestyles and conspicuous consumption. Unless we make this change, the rich will continue to get richer, the poor will get poorer, and the incidence of violence in our country will continue to rise.

• We need, too, a shift of attitude and behaviour in business; a move away from simply trying to maximize profits, towards greater job creation and the provision of more affordable goods, especially where those goods are basic and staple foods. We need to be calling on Government to remove VAT from essential foodstuffs, to provide tax incentives for companies to generate additional jobs, and to introduce a Basic Income Grant.

• Mamphela Ramphele says: "Leadership in the transformation process must itself be transformative; it must embody the vision, values and principles of the society we aspire to become." Not only must we require that our national leaders embody such transformative leadership, but we ourselves, as people of leadership and influence in our society must also embody in our lives the vision, values and principles of the Kingdom of God that we, as Christians, pray will come "… here on earth, even as it is in heaven."

• In the old apartheid days some people, recognizing that their success in life was at least in part at the expense of others because of the injustices and inequalities of apartheid, introduced the concept of a "Self-Tax." The idea behind the concept was that each person who was benefiting from the inequalities of the system would voluntarily set aside a portion of their income (the amount was left to the individual's discretion) which would be used to benefit those who were disadvantaged. So, for example, some supported a variety of self-help projects, others made money available for education. Many of us who live in cites have benefited enormously from the changes in our society, both in terms of income and in the greater access to resources. Perhaps we need to look at again imposing on ourselves a "Self-Tax" that could be used to help those who are still disadvantaged and excluded from the resources that we so often simply take for granted. I commend the idea to you.

One final comment. For years our diocesan leadership has talked about the need to establish a programme for healing and reconciliation within the diocese, but have never been able to find the capital necessary for such a programme. I believe that, in the light of what is happening in our country, such a programme is no longer a luxury, but a necessity and we will be exploring how to make our new Diocesan Centre at St Joseph's just such a place of healing and reconciliation.

In 1994 Nelson Mandela said, "Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another" …. But "never again" is happening again and we are the oppressor.

May God's healing and reconciling love been visible in us, God's people

+ Brian

Of Leave and Lambeth

I had planned to take half of my now overdue long leave before going on to Lambeth, but circumstances have dictated otherwise. I will now only be leaving on 15 June to spend a couple of weeks with my brother in Canada before going on to Lambeth. I will be involved in some planning meetings prior to Lambeth as well as some preaching engagements both before and post Lambeth. I will be back on 8 August. Please pray for me as I visit my brother (who as you all know is seriously ill) and pray for God's guidance and blessing upon the Lambeth Conference. You will continue to be in my prayers.

Spiritual Formation

Clergy Quiet Day: Our next Diocesan Quiet Day which will be at Bishop's House on Tuesday, 19^th August 2008. Prayer is central to effectiveness in ministry so please plan to make this day a part of your spiritual life.

Clergy Day: The next Clergy Day will be on Tuesday, 3^rd June 2008 at St Patrick's, Malvern. The Ven Dr Tim Long will be speaking on the topic of Sexuality.

Directions to St Patrick's:

Travel South along Queen Street (towards Bruma) until Queen becomes Pandora. Turn right from Pandora at first robot (Monmouth Rd). Turn right again at 3^rd street (St Frusquin) and continue on until Bartle. Church is on corner on the left.

From Jhb

Take M2 East to Cleveland offramp - at Cleveland offramp turn left, cross over Main Reef Road continuing up the bridge - turn right on bridge (Cleveland Station is on the right) continue with that road till you get to Jules Street with traffic lights - cross over Jules Street (Spar is on the right) till St Frusquin Street (second road from Spar) turn left into St Frusquin Street. St Patrick is situated two blocks up on your left hand side cnr Bartle and St Frusquin Streets, Malvern.

Reading Recommendations

My reading recommendation for the month is a departure from the usual theological or spiritual work, but one that I believe should be compulsory reading for all South Africans. Mamphela Ramphele's latest book, "Laying Ghosts to Rest", deals with our past, the "stubborn ghosts" of the present (including xenophobia and tribalism), and looks to the challenges of leadership and citizenship in a new South Africa. It is enormously challenging and very apposite for our times as it speaks of ways in which anger can be channelled into creative energy. Please read it.

I would also like to recommend one other book, "Anglicans Against Apartheid 1936-96" by Bob Clarke, an Anglican priest and Church History lecturer. Bob was deeply involved in ministry to people detained without trial, as well as in conflict resolution and in monitoring South Africa's first democratic election in 1994. The book is available through the ACSA Publications Director, Cynthia Botha and paid orders received before the end of June will be discounted at R 125 - half price.

Self Supporting Clergy Training

My thanks to those of you who responded to my summons to the meetings on 3^rd May and 24^th May. I think that they were helpful both for us and for those who attended. As I have previously indicated I will be taking action against those who did not bother either to attend or tender apologies. The next meeting of self-;supporting clergy will take place from 08h30-;12h30 at St Thomas', Linden on 5^th July.

Training of New Rectors

Training of New Rectors will be in the capable hands of +Duncan. Those involved will be contacted in due course.

The Diocesan Young People's Portfolio

The DYPP invites all young people in your parish to the Diocesan Youth Festival to be held at St Barnabas College, Bosmont on Monday, 16^th June 2008. Festivities start at 09h30 and end at 16h00. The Festival will be a great opportunity for all young people in our Diocese to share fun and fellowship. A variety of activities will be presented, such as poetry, drama, cultural dance, playing of musical instruments etc. If any individual or group from your parish or Archdeaconry would like to participate by rendering an item/performance at the event please contact the diocesan office as indicated below. All parishes are invited to attend even if they will not be rendering any item at the event. There will be no charge for this event!! Refreshments will be served and the school tuck shop will be open on the day. For further details please contact Linda L. Mokgatlhe, Young People's Coordinator, Diocesan Young People's Portfolio on 011 336 8724 or email linda@cpsajoburg.org.za .

Family News

Provincial News

• The Diocese of Grahamstown has elected the Venerable Ebenezer St Mark Ntlali, Archdeacon of King Williams Town, to be their next bishop. Please pray for him as he prepares for this new calling.

• The Revd Mallane Taaso, Assistant Priest at St Saviours' Mission & Deputy Principal of St Cyprian's High School, in the Diocese of Lesotho, has been elected bishop of Lesotho. Please remember him in your prayers as he prepares for his consecration.

• Canon Bill Domeris has been appointed Rector of the College of Transfiguration, Grahamstown. Please pray for him and his wife, Shona, as they prepare for this very important ministry in the life of our Province.

Diocesan News

• As I said in my reflection, many of you have responded with incredible generosity to the appeals for help that have come from all around the diocese. My thanks to you all. Special thanks must go to the Archdeacon and clergy in the Archdeaconry of Rosebank for their work in Alexandra, and to the Archdeacon and clergy in the Archdeaconry of Johannesburg East for their incredible involvement in feeding and caring for people around Denver.

• Fr Paul Molefe invites all clergy to attend the unveiling of a Tombstone for The Late Revd Jacob Molisaesi at 07h00 on Saturday, 14^th June 2008 at the parish of The Good Shepherd, Tladi.

• The Revd Thelma Walmsley, Assistant Priest at the parish of St Michael's, Bryanston, fell and broke her arm recently. Although it has been plated she is still in a lot of pain and has been booked off for two months. Please keep Thelma in your prayers.

• The Revd Tim Mncube's brother-in-law, Khayeni Nkosi, passed away on Thursday, 8^th May 2008 and was buried on Saturday, 17^th May 2008 at Vosloorus. At the beginning of May they also buried Tim's brother-in-law's brother, Joseph Nkosi. Please keep the Mncube and Nkosi family in your prayers during this time of mourning. Tim may be contacted on 072 281 9509.

Dates for Diary

JUNE

JULY

Moves, Appointments and Vacancies

• Vicentia Kgabe has been appointed Rector of St Peter's, Auckland Park, with effect from 1^st June 2008. Her institution will be held on Sunday, 22^nd June 2008 at 14h30 at St Peter's, Auckland Park. Please pray for her as she begins this new ministry.

• Lankiri Thaba has been appointed as Rector of St Michael and All Angels, Alexandra, with immediate effect. Please pray for him, his wife, Makananelo, and their children as they prepare to move into the parish. Pray also for the parish in this troubled time.

• Michelle Pillet has been appointed to the Provincial Liturgical Committee and, in the light of her appointment to the Provincial Committee, I have asked her to head up a Diocesan Liturgical Committee. Our congratulations to her on both these appointments. Watch this space for more news.

Please remember the following persons in your prayers as they celebrate birthdays and anniversaries in the coming months:

General Notices

• The Sunday Morning Radio Broadcast Service: Will be relayed on Sunday, 13^th July 2008 from the parish of St Thomas', Linden. The Music Director is Mrs Colleen Hart and the Rector is The Revd Canon Godfrey Henwood.

• The parish of St Andrew's, Randburg: Will be holding a Prayer Workshop led by Denise Woods, author of "South Africa - Reaping the Whirlwind of National Idolatry", on Saturday, 7^th June from 09h00-13h00. For more information please contact 011 787 6964.

• Post-Ordination Skills Training: The programme for 2008 is as follows:

June 21 Baptism, Confirmation

Bring notes already using

July 19 Death & Dying -; trip to undertakers

Hospice, anointing

Sept 20 Marriage

Priests to have applied for Marriage Officer's Licence (Saras)

Oct 18 Confession, exorcism (un-holy ghosts)

Nov 22 Deacon vs priest and self-supporting vs stipendiary

Venue: St Margaret's, 9 Harper Road, Bedfordview. Time: 09h00 to ±16h00. Bring & Share lunch. For more information contact Revd Patricia Lane. 011 455 4449.

• Clergy Directory:

Please note the following new e-mail addresses -;

Fr Mike Fourie Michael.Fourie@stmichaelschurch.co.za

Fr Michael Oliphant mdjoliphant@yebo.co.za

Please note the following contact details for Revd. Bikitsha Njumbuxa -;

Physical Address: 18 Eucalyptus Street (1236/18 Xavier Reef), Ormonde Extn 16.

Postal Address: PO Box 901066, Bertsham 2013.

Home Phone: 011 494 5294.

• Siyafundisa Youth Life Skills Programme:  Siyafundisa is a Youth programme on HIV/AIDS PREVENTION. By now you will all be aware that we have a full time Siyafundisa Field Worker, Jabulani Miya in the HIV/AIDS office.  You can read all about this programme and more by visiting the 'cpsajoburg' website under "HIV/AIDS", and Jabulani is available on: Mobile: 082 323 9948, e-mail: jmiya@anglicanaids.net or Fax: 086 624 5067. (A further notice is also attached to the Ad Clerum.)

• HIV and AIDS Update: We have been encouraged by the increasing number of parishes observing the month of May for Care, and observing the third Sunday as an International Candle Lighting memorial. Some did this as individual parishes while others as Archdeaconries meeting in one appointed parish. Building Archdeaconry structures is progressing quite well. Please continue to pray for those committed to supporting this building process, both clergy and laity. Revd Tsépo Matubatuba, HIV and AIDS Co-ordinator. Office telephone number: 011 333 4399. . (A further notice is also attached to the Ad Clerum.)

• The parish of St Luke's, Orchards: Will be holding their annual New Wine (2008) Festival on Friday, 30^th May from 19h00-21h00 and Saturday, 31^st May from 09h00-17h00. The theme this year is "How Great is our God!" Bookings may be made by phoning 011 728 7015 or emailing office@stluke.co.za.

• The parish of St Stephen's, Sunninghill: Will be holding a Fete on Saturday, 31^st May 2008 starting at 09h00. Stalls will include -; Tea Garden, Jewellery, Youth Carnival (candy floss, house of horrors, playstation games, kiddies' corner), Beer Tent, Toys, Babies' clothes, White Elephant and Jumble Sale. Please come along and enjoy a fun day eating, drinking and sharing fellowship together.

• The Diocese of Johannesburg: Is operating a relief fund to provide humanitarian aid to persons displaced during the recent xenophobic violence. Donations can be made to the following bank account: Account Name: Diocesan Finance Board

Bank: Standard Bank of SA Ltd
Branch: Smal Street
Branch Code: 001805
Account Number: 00 130 235 3
Reference: Displaced Persons' Appeal 2008

Fore more information please contact The Revd. Doug Torr on 084 458 5905.

• In Verse Choir directed by Sue Cock: Will be performing at the parish of St Margaret of Scotland, 9 Harper Road, Bedfordview, at 16h00 on Sunday, 8^th June 2008. Admission is free. Tea will be served after the performance. (Donations will be much appreciated.)

• The parish of Christ the King, Sophiatown: Will be hosting a Youth Conference from 13^th-15^th June 2008. Accommodation will be provided and an Ingqungquthela will be held on the evening of the 14^th. Please confirm bookings before the 2^nd of June 2008. For further information contact: Ms Thembeka Pama. Cell No: 083-400 9137 or office Parish No: (011) 477-8677/ 477-8410.

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