My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I left to visit my brother and to go on to Lambeth at the height of the xenophobic violence that so scarred our land. The opening service of Lambeth coincided with our Diocesan Service of Reconciliation and the contrast for me was most poignant. At Lambeth, too, there were similar deep divisions among the people; divisions that were rooted in real and perceived hurts and betrayals, in suspicions as to the motives of others; all of which was fed by misinformation and, at times, fuelled by deliberate disinformation. Although there was no overt violence, Lambeth had all the hallmarks of our xenophobic discontent.

In South Africa there is enormous goodwill among the people and a real desire for healing and reconciliation. The same was undoubtedly true of Lambeth. And so I found myself wondering why, when there is such a genuine desire to hold together, is there so much intolerance? Why, despite our efforts and desires, is both church and civil society unravelling at the centre?

Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of Britain and the Commonwealth - and one of the outstanding speakers at Lambeth - is one of the outstanding social analysts of our time and who has, for more than a decade, attempted to make sense of what is happening around our world. His latest book, "The Home We Build Together - Recreating Society," begins with a wide ranging and multi-faceted examination of the fragmentation and disintegration of society which he maintains is the inevitable consequence of larger structural shifts that have taken place in a post-modern, late-capitalist world.

What was for me especially interesting was to see how accurately his analysis of the fragmentation taking place within the British social situation matched what is happening in our own country - from the widespread disillusionment and angers of our people (especially the youth), the growing intolerance towards people who are different from us or who think differently from us, the strident insistence on my rights as a human being, the rising drug culture, victim mentality, excessive and conspicuous material consumption in a society where the rich are getting richer and the poor poorer; through to group protests such as the recent youth march for Zuma and bizarre killings such as the recent samurai sword killing at a school. Multiculturalism, he insists, has led not to integration but to segregation and to attempts by groups to impose their will on the majority. "Modern politics," he says, quoting Alasdair McIntyre, "is civil war carried out by other means."

The fundamental problem, he says, is that the essential nature of our post-modern, global world undermines and destroys our sense of a common identity - the sense of belonging that is key to any civil society. The multiculturalism of our modern world is good in that it honours multiple identities, but bad in that it leaves us with too little to bind us together. He says:-

"The very idea of belonging - of society as home - has become problematic, not just for minorities, but for the majority as well. This is not a superficial problem that can be solved by this government policy or that. I have tried to show how deep are the forces driving us apart. One is the loss of a shared moral code. Another is the combined impact of scientific determinism and a new theory of rights. These have encouraged groups to define themselves as victims of the majority culture … The third is the new communication technology. Nation states were born in the aftermath of one such technology, the invention of printing. They are endangered by another: satellite television, e-mail and the internet."

The root of the problem is that of belonging. And that takes us right back to our Africa Enterprise insight in Presentation 2000 of "Belonging; Believing; Behaving." Belonging precedes both believing and behaving and is foundational for both church and civil society.

The question then is how we rebuild a sense of belonging; especially in a context where society is unravelling into individuals and groups who have no overarching sense of the common good. In answer Sacks takes us to the bible, read not as theological text, but as political treatise.

The institution of the monarchy in the days of Samuel (1 Samuel 8), he says, is the first recorded instance of a social contract. It establishes a system of government that provides order to the lawlessness of the disparate tribes of Israel, but it is possible only because the tribes are bound together in covenant. Social contract is preceded by social covenant. Covenants were an integral part of ancient Middle Eastern life; but it is a common political concept that is given new and revolutionary treatment in the Mosaic covenant. One of the many remarkable features of it is that it enshrines freedom - the free God desires the worship of free human beings and invites them into a partnership in the purposes and work of God in the world.

Covenants, he says, are partnerships formed in a deliberate act of beginning again to achieve together what neither can achieve alone. They are "covenants of fate;" people whose lives and common destiny depend upon the other. The key element in covenant is not power, but promise - a mutually binding promise to respect the integrity of the other and to live in an open-ended bond of mutuality and loyalty. Unlike contracts which are about protecting self-interests, covenant is about a common identity, an identity that is maintained in telling of the story of what brought us together and holds us in the bonds of fellowship.

Space does not permit me to explore what he has to say, or the suggestions he makes about the way forward, any further. But there is already much in what I have said that is food for thought. It speaks to our world-wide Anglican communion about the true nature of covenant as a binding promise of relationship that is lived in mutual love and loyalty while honouring the integrity and good will of the other. Covenant is relational rather than juridical - something that neither of the drafts of the proposed covenant agreement have yet begun to reflect. It also has something to say to us about a sense of belonging that demands perseverance. The proposed covenant will do nothing but make explicit and formal an already pre-existing relationship. Our "covenant of faith" is also a "covenant of fate." For better or worse our lives are bound together, and each is diminished without the other.

It also has much to say to us about our beloved country. Our government is the present expression of a social contract enshrined in law. Behind it lies a deliberate covenantal act of new creation so ably articulated by Madiba in 1994. It is the vision and dream enshrined in that covenant to which we must return and if we are to counter the destructive disintegration that is happening in our social and political life. All of us in this country - men, women and children, black, white, and the shades in between, local or foreign - we are all bound together in a "covenant of fate." We are each diminished without the other; we are blessed one and all as we work together to make our "covenant of fate" a "covenant of faith" - a people working together in partnership with God, under God, and for the greater glory of God.

May our "covenant of fate" be transformed by our "covenant of faith"

+ Brian

Spiritual Formation

Clergy Quiet Day: Our next Diocesan Quiet Day will be at Bishop's House on Tuesday, 18^th November 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, 2^nd September 2008 at St Augustine's, Mzimhlophe. Bishop Brian will be speaking about his experience at Lambeth.

Directions to St Augustine's: Take New Canada Road to Engen Garage. Turn right and continue to 2^nd traffic light (first traffic light after going under railway bridge). Turn left, first left again (at small shop on your left) and then first right. Church is on your left.

Reading Recommendation

Since it formed the basis for my monthly reflection, it seems only appropriate that I recommend Johnathan Sack's latest book, "The Home We Build Together." He has been described as one of the great prophetic voices of our times and certainly what he has to say in this book is challenging and stimulating.

The Vicar General and the Service of Repentence

As always, Gerard Sharp has been a loyal and faithful Vicar General. No bishop could be better served and I thank him for all that he does and for doing such a superb job as Vicar General in what has been my longest absence from the diocese. Thank you, Gerard.

Having just watched the video of the Service of Repentence, my gratitude to him and to all of you overflows. It was a superb event in every respect and I thank all who were involved in the planning and execution of it, for our Archbishop Emeritus, Desmond Tutu for presiding and preaching, as well as all of you who attended. It was an outstanding tribute to all of you - you are a wonderful diocese and I am deeply honoured and privileged to be your bishop.

One little word of caution for all of us …. Yes, the Service of Repentence was a great event in the life of a great diocese, but it was also a commitment before God that each of us would turn away from sin and live in newness of life. This requires an ongoing renewal of our lives made visible in our words and deeds, in our teaching and our ministry.

Lambeth Conference

Archbishop Thabo has given a very thorough account of Lambeth in his August letter, "To The People of God." The September edition of "Southern Anglican" (which will be out shortly) also reports quite extensively on Lambeth. In addition, the conference is covered extensively on the Lambeth Conference Official Website (www.lambethconference.org) with many hundreds of photos, details of all the activities, texts of many of the addresses, a downloadable copy of the bible study material and the final report of Lambeth and much, much more. I do not want, therefore, to repeat what has already been said by the Archbishop and others, but will try at the Clergy Day to highlight a few things that were of particular significance to me. That address will be edited and distributed to parishes so that all of you who helped bear the cost of Lambeth may receive an official report.

Growing the Church and the Launch of the Diocesan Centre

Saturday 20^th September marks the Provincial launch of "Growing the Church" at the Eskom Convention Centre in Midrand. Details have already been sent out to you under separate cover and Chris Viljoen (011 787 6964) will be only to happy to answer any queries you might have.

On the following Wednesday (24^th September) which is Heritage Day we will gather at St Joseph's at 09h00 for a Eucharistic celebration of God's goodness in which we will dedicate the site and buildings for our new Diocesan Centre and, at the same time, pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the work of mission and service. The service will be followed by a variety of workshops focussing on growing the church. I look forward to seeing you there. Bring along a picnic lunch.

Confirmations 2008

Scripture readings for October 2008 Confirmation services are to be found on page 388 of the Anglican Prayer Book (fourth set) as follows:

Old Testament: Ezekiel 36:25-27 New Testament: Acts 8:4-8, 14-17

Psalms: 139:1-14 Gospel: John 7:37-39

Family News

Province

• Bishops Paddy Glover and Rubin Philip both missed Lambeth because of ill health which necessitated surgery. Both are now back at home and recovering nicely. Please keep them and their families in your prayers.

• Bishop David Beetge has also been in hospital because of low white blood cell counts as a result of his chemotherapy. Please keep him and Carol in your prayers.

• Bishop David Beetge's sister passed away at the beginning of August. Please keep Bishop David and his family in your prayers during this time of bereavement.

• Mr Henry Bennett has been appointed to the position of Registrar of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa. We wish him every success in this appointment and continue to hold him up in prayer.

• The Consecration and Enthronement of The Revd Mallane Adam Andrease Taaso as Bishop of Lesotho will take place in Maseru at 10h00 on 9^th October 2008.

• The Consecration and Enthronement of The Ven Ebenezer St Mark Ntlali as Bishop of Grahamstown will take place in Grahamstown at 10h00 on 20^th September 2008.

• The Revd Canon Dr William Robert Domeris was appointed Rector of the College of Transfiguration with effect from 1^st July 2008. We wish Bill, Shona and family every success in this new ministry and continue to hold them up in prayer.

Diocese

• John de Reuck, our Deputy Diocesan Secretary, recently underwent surgery for a back problem. He is back home and recovering well. He would like to be back at work already, but is being forced to wait for his doctor's say-so. Please remember him and Di in your prayers and pray for a full recovery.
• Rodney Taylor, our Diocesan Secretary, was involved in a motor accident last week and was hospitalised with fractures of the spinal column. Rodney was home for the weekend but may still need to have an operation depending on the risks involved. The Orthopaedic Surgeon has taken the scans for discussion with others in his field and we will know the decision this week. Rodney and Anne would like to thank all those who have either visited or enquired about Rodney; as well as for your continuing prayers and support. Please keep them both in your thoughts; and continue to pray for Rodney's speedy and full recovery.

• Joel Dikgole's wife passed away on Sunday, 3^rd August. Joel is one of the Diocese's Deputy Bursars. The funeral was held at 10h00 on Saturday, 9^th August at St Patrick's Catholic Church in Benoni. Please continue to pray for Joel and his family during this time of bereavement.

• The Revd Denzall Snell and Sinyati Mollel were engaged to be married on 21^st June 2008 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Denzall is Deacon at St Stephen's, Sunninghill. The couple will be married at St Mark's, North Riding on Saturday, 18^th October 2008. We wish them God's richest blessings for a wonderful life together.

• The Revd Canon Godfrey and Wendy Henwood have been blessed by the arrival of their first grandchild -- a baby girl, Ashley, born to Leigh and Stephen Henwood, on 5^th August 2008. Our heartiest congratulations to Fr Godfrey and Wendy.

Dates for Diary

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Moves, Appointments and Vacancies

• The Revd. Dr. Mongezi Guma has been appointed Dean of Botswana with effect from 1^st September. Please pray for Fr Mongezi as he prepares for this new ministry.

• The Ven. Oupaki Moruthane has been appointed Rector of the Church of the Resurrection, Meadowlands with effect from 1^st December. Please pray for Fr Oupaki as he prepares for this new ministry.

• The Revd. Reubin Ndlovu has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of St Paul's, Munsieville. The parish are to be congratulated for the massive refurbishment of the rectory in preparation for his arrival. Please pray for Fr Reubin and the parish as they undertake God's ministry together.

• The Revd. Zanele Mtshali has been appointed to the position of Assistant Priest within the Parish of St Monnica's, Halfway Gardens with effect from 1^st October 2008. Zanele's licensing will take place at Rabie Ridge at 09h30 on Sunday, 12^th October 2008. Please keep Zanele in your prayers as she prepares to undertake this new ministry.

• The Revd. Lee-Ann Minakium has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of St Laurence, Discovery. She will be moving in the course of September. Please pray for Lee-Ann as she prepares for this new ministry.

Birthdays

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

General Notices

• The SAfm Sunday Morning Radio Broadcast Service: Will be relayed at 11h05 on Sunday, 26^th October 2008 from the parish of Christ the King, Mondeor. The Rector is Canon Eric Ephraim.

• Post-Ordination Skills Training: The programme for 2008 is as follows: 20^th Sept - Marriage (Priests to have applied for Marriage Officer's Licence -Saras); 18^th Oct - Confession, exorcism (un-holy ghosts); 22^nd Nov - 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.

• The Diocesan Welfare Committee has been truly blessed by the generosity of people in responding to the Bishop's Lenten Appeal for 2008. The Committee seeks to help both retired clergy and widows of retired clergy who are struggling to make ends meet in these difficult times. Although we cannot meet all of their needs, thanks to the parishes who have given so generously towards the Appeal we are able to make a difference in the lives of our retired clergy. For those parishes that have not yet collected envelopes from the diocesan office, it is not too late to do so. Please make arrangements to collect your envelopes at your earliest convenience. We would also like to remind those parishes that have not yet submitted money raised toward the Appeal to please do so as soon as possible. For further information contact Mrs Gail Westwood (Chairperson) on 011 465 1774.

• The Anglicare Exco thanks members of the clergy for their continued support. A shortage of counsellors is currently being experienced for clients who are unable to afford professional fees in the following areas: Brixton, Melville, Triomf, Robertsham and Ormonde. Please offer advice and encouragement to any parishioners in these areas who may feel called to this pastoral ministry. For further information contact Sarah Edwards (Chairperson) on 011 788 8386 / 082 467 1222 or e-mail: edwardo@netactive.co.za

• HIV and AIDS Update: (1) October is Health Month in correlation with St Luke's Day on the 18^th October. Parish HIV and AIDS teams and archdeaconries are encouraged to plan health services. One of the ideas is to host a VCT Clinic on Sunday to give people an opportunity to test and know their status. A second idea is to invite people in Healthcare - Doctors, Nurses, Caregivers, etc. - to a service closer to the 18^th and to pray for them. A second collection towards HIV and AIDS can be requested. (2) With summer on the way, we request the donation of a fridge to keep perishables for the purpose of meetings, etc. A small office fridge would be suitable. If you can help please contact: The Revd Tsépo Matubatuba, HIV and AIDS Co-ordinator. Office telephone number: 011 333 4399. Thanking you in advance.

• The Church Growth Portfolio asks that you please make a note of the following important events:

19-21 September 2008: Growing the Church Conference at The Good News Centre, Muldersdrift
The Provincial Launch Service for "Growing the Church" takes place on Friday 19 September 2008 at 10:00. We are delighted that this event will take place within our Diocese giving us an opportunity to host the Archbishop, Bishops and PSC from our 25 Dioceses together will all the Diocesan GtC Coordinators and their Implementation teams. This International Conference includes the six countries that form ACSA, together with SOMA team members from thirteen other countries. Speakers: Bishop Albert Vun (East Malaysia), Dr Aldo Fonteo (Argentina), Dr Michael Cassidy (Pietermaritzburg) and Bishop Martin Breytenbach (Polokwane).

Cost for full conference is R250 or R150 per day. For more information contact Steve Moreo (tel: 011 936 1394) or Keith Brown (tel: 011 781 0593)

24 September: Growing the Church Diocesan Launch
Diocesan Launch of Growing the Church will be held in conjunction with the Blessing of St Joseph's Diocesan Centre at St Joseph's, corner Good and Herman Streets, Sophiatown at 09h00.

22-28 September: Growing The Church Mission In The Diocese
During the week following the Provincial Growing the Church Conference our Church Growth Team together with a SOMA UK team will working in the Diocese. They are here to inspire and to equip for growth sharing practical skills among leaders, groups and Parishes. Encourage your Archdeacon to call on the team to help meet needs which you have identified in growing the church. Contact Steve Moreo (tel: 011 9361394) or Keith Brown (tel:011-781-0593)

(Do you want to see related pages, the whole site or the non-frames Sitemap?)