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THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF CAPE TOWN • ANGLICAN CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

St Peter the Fisherman Hout Bay celebrates its 125th anniversary

Page 2 Statement from the Anglican Safe and Inclusive Church Commission

Page 3 From the Vicar General’s Desk

St Peter’s Anglican Church was built in 1895 and has Should you wish to help in this worthy project, please seen many changes in the Hout Bay valley. Many of you contact the office on 021 790 1029 Rector: the Revd reading this article may remember being married or Gaile Beckett – after hours: 073 634 1593, or email your children being baptised in this attractive church [email protected] [email protected] which is now a national monument. For donations or regular pledges you can make People who have moved away, often request that their the church a beneficiary on your account. funeral services be held here and the Memorial Garden Bank: Standard Bank. Account name: Parish of St Page 4 holds the ashes of many former congregants. It is an in- Peter and St Simon. Account number 271 588 616. DCT Bernard Mizeki tegral part of Hout Bay and its history and we would all Branch code: 051 001 or 025 309. Reference: Wall Fund Men’s Guild virtual like to see it remain. Patronal Festival The Parish is now facing a huge financial challenge: the wall at the front and the driveway up to the Rectory and hall is in danger of collapsing and needs immediate re- pair. The estimated cost of the repairs is approximately R550 000.

Our pledges and collections barely cover our routine running costs. We are appealing to the churches and the people of the Diocese of Cape Town, who at some time have been in our church, either to make a once off Page 7 donation or to pledge a regular amount. Sea Sunday celebrated (R100 a month would go a long way to help if enough on the island of people participate) Tristan da Cunha

VOL 63 VOLNO. 0570 NO.06 FIRST FIRST PUBLISHED 20 20 DECEMBER DECEMBER 1950 1950 AUGUST MARCH 2020 2013 Page 2 THE GOOD HOPE AUGUST 2020

CLASSIFIEDS Editor: Rebecca Malambo EDITORIAL Address: Archbishop’s Compassion in Latin is ‘compati’ which means to ‘suffer with’. The Good Hope Education It extends beyond empathy. Before we can help others, we PO Box 1932, Endowment Fund for have to recognise our own natural response to a crises (like Cape Town 8000 COVID-19) and process these strong emotions. If we fail to Tel: 021 469 3766 Theological Education do this, we won’t have the capacity to grasp these reactions from others we seek to help. (In office Thursdays only 10h00-14h00) Please support the Archbishop’s Fax: 021 465 1571 Education Fund so that we can continue to train priests for the The month of compassion is observed each year in August E-mail address: future of our church. Thank you for when we highlight the plight of those who are marginalised. [email protected] all donations received. If you would Those who feel a sense of empowerment in their lives may like to contribute please consider a see the marginalized as being someplace else, and not with- donation. in their circle. We all have a marginalised person we know. It is also certain that during our lifespan, we will experience A sum of R1 483 201.67 physical, mental and emotional issues which will make us a has been raised thus far. margalized person too. We are not immune to it.

Bank: Standard Bank Now is the time to speak from your heart, to say the things Scan QR code with your mobile and learn more about the Diocese of Cape Town Branch Code: you would never say out loud. Share those unexpressed Thibault Square feelings. People need to know they are loved and cherished. Printed by: Branch Number: 020909 Account Number: 070332428 “Love and Light, Rebecca

Statement from the Anglican Safe and Inclusive Church Commission

The Anglican Safe and Inclusive Church Com- on these matters, and that will then determine The Safe and Inclusive Church panel which mission has completed its preparations for the next steps. investigates a complaint conducts interviews investigating the allegation by the Revd June and compiles all relevant documentation, Major, a former priest of the Diocese of Cape Historically, over the 150 years of its history the then delivers a report to the Diocese con- Town, that a former colleague raped her in Church as a voluntary organisation has been cerned. The panel does not make findings or 2002. governed under its Canon Law (church law). recommendations, but the or Vicar- The courts have recognised Canon Law as a General of the Diocese in which the respond- The Commission (also referred to in the Church parallel but separate system of law, governing ent is resident appoints a Board of Preliminary as “Safe and Inclusive Church”) believes the its particular sphere of church affairs. This has Inquiry - or may appoint Safe Church as the Revd Major’s complaint warrants being inves- required that Canon Law embodies the princi- Board of Inquiry - whose task it is to establish tigated further and a Commission representa- ples of natural justice recognised in society at if a prima facie case exists. tive has invited her to nominate a counsellor large and updated from time to time in light of and other persons to support her during the wider developments in jurisprudence. The Bishop or Vicar General is able to take such investigation process. If she feels it necessary, other actions as the Canons permit, including the Commission can also help facilitate her In the past 20 years, the Church has amended the suspension of the respondent minister. obtaining such support. its Canon Law to comply with developments Should a prima facie case be established, a in labour law, establishing strict Pastoral Diocesan Tribunal considers the case against As indicated previously by the Archbishop, in Standards which govern the behaviour and the accused. Either party in the matter has a the matter relating to Revd Major, Safe and action of its ministers, and making provision right of appeal should charges not be brought Inclusive Church received on 8 July 2020 a for- for processes to protect the rights of both before a Tribunal. mal (written) complaint relating to her alleged complainants and respondents. The processes rape in 2002. In terms of our process, we meet laid down by the Canons may be compared Having this matter investigated in any other with the parties involved (as well as any other with a secular organisation’s grievance and way but in terms of our Canon Law, would ren- members that may be identified as pertinent) disciplinary procedures. der our process invalid in terms of our Canons and conduct an interview with them. and hence the Church would be unable to act Safe and Inclusive Church is a newly estab- on findings as well as be subject to court sanc- In our contact with the Revd Major, she ex- lished faculty of the Church, assented to at tion for not following our own process. pressed concern about the impartiality of an the Church’s governing Synod in September internal church process. As a consequence, 2019. This faculty was established to assist Both Revd Major as the complainant as well as Safe and Inclusive Church has included a rep- complainants and the Church to respond to the respondent are free, at their own cost, to utable part-time commissioner of the Gender allegations of abuse or harm (of which there be accompanied by a representative of their Commission on the panel which will investi- are thirteen categories) and then move it into choice and to seek such counsel and advice as gate her complaint. It is hoped that this will the Canonical disciplinary process. (Details of they may need at any stage of the process. provide her with an added level of trust and the Commission, and links to the relevant sec- comfort with the process. tions of Canon Law, can be found here: https:// continues on page 4 anglicanchurchsa.org/safe-church-guide/ ) We are awaiting a response from Revd Major

Maya Angelou “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF CAPE TOWN Page 3 From the Vicar General’s Desk Dear Sisters and Brothers common ground that unites rather than di- In the Gospels we read that vides. Archbishop Thabo heads the Lambeth Jesus is dragged before the Design Group for the Lambeth Conference, governor by his accusers. In which has been postponed to 2022 because Matthew chapter 27, Pon- of the coronavirus pandemic. At the height tius Pilate is relentlessly be- of State Capture, Archbishop Thabo did not sieged with a barrage of accusations levelled shy away from pointing an accusing finger at against Jesus. To the beleaguered Pilate’s former President Jacob Zuma and implicating great consternation, Jesus chooses to remain him in facilitating the corruption and theft silent (Matt. 27:11-14). To quote the words of that nearly pushed our country over the preci- the 13th century Persian mystic, Rumi, “Silence pice and into abyss. In his Christmas sermon is the language of God. All else is poor transla- the Archbishop said that he hoped we will see tion.” Our church is facing what feels like a war 2020 as “the year of the orange jump-suit, a of attrition. It is being waged through public year of reckoning for those whose greed has protest action, in the mainstream media and driven the country to the brink of disaster.” If on social media with serious accusations lev- anything, this is what will save President Cyril elled against us. For many parishioners and Ramaphosa’s Presidency. It is what will give us others this has been very distressing. But I all much needed hope in the midst of the Cov- am aware that many others have been deeply id-19 disease which has destroyed so many engaged in prayer for all concerned, absorb- der to hasten the downfall of the Apartheid lives and livelihoods and further decimated ing the church’s silence and seeking to hear government. our shattered economy. God’s voice speaking through it for which we are extremely grateful. We all need to educate Archbishop elected When damaging negative criticism is levelled or re-educate ourselves about our church pro- in 1996 was no different. He was a leading at our church, not least our Archbishop, I hope cesses, rules and regulations in order to better figure in the worldwide Jubilee 2000 cam- most, if not all of you will pause to pray, think understand how we are governed and how paign calling for the cancellation of odious and ask yourselves whether it is not a case of we function. The statement from the Anglican debt. He especially shone a harsh light on empty vessels making the most noise. Safe and Inclusive Church Commission in this the huge sums of money that the Apartheid issue of the Good Hope is one of many initia- regime borrowed from private banks around We are edging ever closer to an exciting new tives going into the future which will assist us the world through the 1980s, to fund its mili- phase in our Diocese with the forthcoming in this regard. tary and police repression of the uprising in consecration of Ven Joshua Louw as bishop our country. As Archbishop of Cape Town he of Tablebay on 1 September. The Bishop will This year ACSA celebrates its 150th anniver- campaigned vigorously to have Apartheid-era take office with a full complement of Diocesan sary as an independent Province within the accrued debt declared odious and written off. Chapter members. To this end, Rev Mark Long worldwide Anglican Communion. It is a great Archbishop Emeritus Ndungane shook up the who has been acting archdeacon, will be ap- occasion to give praise and thanks to God for Anglican Communion as well. In 1867 the first pointed Archdeacon of Rondebosch, Rev the sustained mission and ministry that has Lambeth Conference (1867) was called to set- Melaney Klaasen will be appointed Archdea- touched the lives of lives of millions of peo- tle a dispute between Archbishop Robert Gray con of the Waterfront and Rev Reeva Mulder ple, not only spiritually, but in tangible and and Bishop John Colenso of Natal and is held who has been acting Canon, will be appointed material ways as well. I have often said that every ten years since then. He posited that it Canon. The last vacancy on Diocesan Chapter we Anglicans do not fully realise the extent to would be fitting to have the fourteenth Lam- is for a Canon elected by the clergy of the Dio- which we can quite rightly be filled with pride, beth Conference in South Africa rather than its cese. This process is currently underway. We thanks and gratitude to God for the quality of home at Lambeth Palace in the UK for the past anticipate that the Consecration will mark the leadership we have been endowed with in our 140 years. A move if it succeeded could po- official opening of our churches for a return to Archbishops. We attract attention for good tentially have concluded the need for future worship. and for ill from all quarters due to nature of Lambeth Conferences. Besides opposition how the office of the Anglican Archbishop of from many quarters, the idea was finally scup- I urge you to please keep all these matters in Cape Town has evolved. It goes back a long pered by the 2007-2008 global financial crash, your prayers. Continue to pray for Bishop- way but let me remind you of our three most making it too costly for our Province to host elect Joshua and his family, for his retreat and recent Archbishops. the event. the Dean of Studies, who will be the retreat conductor. Please also pray for our Diocesan When then Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Archbishop ’s prominence Liturgy Resource Team, who are working very Runcie, was given the news that Desmond and stature as a recognized global leader hard to produce a Consecration Service to fit Tutu was elected Archbishop of Cape Town in heading our Church should be self-evident to within the limitations of compliance with the 1986, he informed the archbishops and bish- all of us and someone of whom we should be Covid-19 lockdown regulations that will make ops of the Anglican Communion of Bishop immensely proud. When the worldwide An- us all very proud. Tutu’s election. In his communication he is glican Communion was threatened to finally purported to have told them, “Please fasten split over the issue of human sexuality, he was May the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus your seat belts . We are in for the roller instrumental in introducing the African con- Christ be with you always. coaster ride of our lives.” Archbishop Emeritus cept of “Indaba.” Tutu did not only shake up the worldwide An- Keith De Vos glican Church establishment but also secular A way of meeting in groups where divergent leaders. He called on world leaders to impose opinions may be held and through discussion Grace and Peace international sanctions on South Africa, in or- and dialogue finding each other and finding Keith De Vos

“A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you.” Dalai Lama XIV Page 4 THE GOOD HOPE AUGUST 2020

Statement from the Anglican Safe and Inclusive Church Commission from page 2 The appointment of members of the Tribunal, apart from the Bishop who as President of the Tribunal is ap- Diocese of Cape Town Consecration of the Bishop of Table Bay pointed by the Archbishop, is subject to challenge by both complainant and accused. Archdeacon Joshua Louw will be ordained and consecrated as the Third Bishop of Table Bay, on As an ordained minister of the church, albeit one Tuesday 1st September 2020 noon, at The Cathedral Church of St George the Martyr, Cape Town. that tendered her resignation as a licensed minister The date of 1 September is significant in the ACSA calendar, as it marks the commemoration of in 2014, Revd Major is still bound by the precepts of Bishop Gray, first Bishop of Cape Town. This is also a significant year for ACSA, as we commemorate the Canon Law as this was part of the oaths and declara- 150th anniversary of our Church as an independent province, within the worldwide tions she made at her ordination. This means that any Anglican Communion. disputes or complaints she may have with the Church It is envisaged that the Cathedral service will take place under strict lockdown would need to follow the precepts of the Canons as level 3 requirements for places of worship with only limited attendance possible. they prevail at the time.

- Canon Rosalie Manning - Chairperson Anglican Safe and Inclusive Church Commission The link for the Consecration of the Bishop of Table Bay will be 31st July 2020 publicised closer to the time, on all communication platforms.

“Rooted in Christ in times of distress” Bernard Mizeki Guild virtual commemoration

times of distress”, which aimed to acknowl- This year we remembered From St Mary Mag- edge that as we celebrate this special occasion dalele, Gugulethu - Bro. Ludidi Zibi, Bro. Zola as a church, the world that we exist in is in seri- Majola Dakana, Bro. Mzwandile Dennis Shoko; ous distress, hopelessness, facing death and in and From St Cyprian’s Langa - Bro. Cyprian Dzi- constant fear due to the worldwide COVID-19 ba, Bro. Monwabisi Mbeka and Bro. Sithethi pandemic. Ngcwangu. May the souls of these faithful de- parted continue to rest in eternal peace, and Our Guest Speaker, Archdeacon Lundi Joko rise in glory. (Rector of St Peter’s Anglican Church, Khayelit- sha) expounded on this theme by reflecting The service concluded with a sharing of the on Revelation 7: 9 – 17, which was the set Word, in which the members of each parish reading for the Bernard Mizeki Commemora- represented in the guild, and representatives tion. of the other Diocesan Guild’s participated.

In his talk, he invited the Men of the Guild and We give thanks to God for giving the Guild all gathered to reflect on how we remain in Je- strength to celebrate our Patron Martyr, even sus, how we continue to reflect Christian resil- during this challenging period of the ience during these challenging times, so that COVID-19 global pandemic. Christ’s own life may be reflected in us all and surpass all the anxieties of our time. - the Revd Mkhuseli Lujabe (Chaplain)

He made strong emphasis on the ills of our time which have surfaced during this time of lockdown to affect our families negatively, and cautioned against behaviors violence The Bernard Mizeki Men’s Guild in the Dio- against women and children, domestic abuse, cese of Cape Town was not withheld by the anger, depression and bitterness which have He made strong emphasis on the COVID-19 national lockdown from commem- been negative consequences experienced by ills of our time which have surfaced orating its Patron Martyr – Bernard Mizeki of many households during this time. during this time of lockdown to Mashonaland, whom we remember annually affect our families negatively, and cautioned against behaviors on the 24th June. His reflection was very meaningful as it called violence against women and the church to be deeply faithful in the life of children, domestic abuse, anger, It was a commemoration with a difference, as Christ, to be rooted in prayer, scripture and we decided to go virtual via a WhatsApp link, depression and bitterness which worship, to present a new hope in these times have been negative consequences where all guild members “gathered”, together of hopelessness and distress. with all those of the wider Diocesan Guilds, experienced by many households during this time. and clergy who normally join us for this an- The annual celebration always includes a spe- nual celebration. cial commemoration of those of our number who died over the past year. Our theme this year was “Rooted in Christ in

Aesop “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF CAPE TOWN Page 5

Happy 90th birthday St Michael and All Angels Mrs Thomas Observatory outreach group

Mrs Florence Thomas who Just before the lockdown the Outreach Group celebrated her 90th knitted squares for Nelson Mandela Day. Anne El- birthday on 28 June 2020, is lis then sewed the squares together resulting in a the only surviving founding double bed blanket. member of the St Cyprian’s Retreat Choir and still sings This was donated to someone in need during in the choir. these cold months. Much love to all who helped to knit the squares. Mrs Thomas who is an alto joined the choir in the late 1970’s, at the newly built - Michael Meyer St Cyprian’s Anglican Church after moving from the old church near Retreat Station.

For the past decades Mrs Thomas has been dedi- cated to the choir with unbroken service. She has seen many choristers, organists and choirmasters come and go as well as clergy. Mandela Day 2020 Fikelela

Mrs Thomas has taken up her duty with buoyancy reaching out to young people and enthusiasm, never being late to rehearsal or services; it shows that the choir is a significant part Fikelela means ‘reach out’ and this is our motto of her life. that we strive towards daily. Due to lockdown we are still not allowing any visitors to our Child and In the words of the Choristers Prayer ‘What we sing Youth Care Centre in Khayelitsha. with our lips may we believe in our hearts and what we believe in our hearts may we show forth in our Mandela Day 2020 we might not have had the lives.’ Mrs Thomas has lived up to this through the joy of receiving visitors, but we were blessed and years. privileged, to share with the children, stories of Madiba, and they were very excited to make a May you go ‘from strength to strength’ Ps 84:7. poster and little thank you cards.

Happy 90th Birthday Mrs Thomas We decided to do a drive thru Mandela Day cam- paign and the children were meant to hand out - Keenan Priestley the cards at the gate.

Sadly there were no visitors pitching as most of our supporters are aware that we are not receiving visitors.

Our highlight for 2020 Mandela Day was reaching out to 5 young ladies who re- Masks for Sale quested assistance with toiletries. What a pleasure to be able to support them. It takes great courage to make requests of this nature. It started off with a request Protect yourself, be safe, wear a mask from 5 young girls and soon it become more. Cost: R30 each Contact: Marie-Anne to place your We want to support and we intend making a difference within our diocese. It is orders & arrange collection. quite sad when you are made aware of young people having struggles so real that Telephone / WhatsApp: 072 928 6210 they have no soap or toothpaste or roll on.

A toiletry pack for one young girl costs R140. On behalf of our young people Fikelela is appealing to fami- ly, friends, organisations, businesses and schools to support us during this period of lockdown to be able to purchase basic toiletries includ- ing sanitary-ware, stationary items and a small packet of treats.

Please contact Beverley Hendricks at 0832855977 or hendricksb@ct- diocese.org.za if you would love to support this initiative.

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” John Holmes Page 6 THE GOOD HOPE AUGUST 2020 To the Laos - to the people of God

Since I last wrote, a number of women among lay representatives at all lev- of clergy, their spouses, and els of church leadership? parishioners in our wider church Province of Southern Africa, have died We also need to make our language more in- of complications related to COVID-19. Please clusive. The use of the phrase “Father” in Eng- pray for their families as they mourn. Pray also lish has long been challenged for promoting for the family of Tom Manthata, the former SA patriarchy and male headship (apart from Council of Churches and Human Rights Com- sitting uncomfortably with those in our more mission member, who has also died as a result evangelical parishes). The problem is not as of the coronavirus. May all those who have acute in the languages spoken by most of our died rest in peace and rise in glory. members – at Bishopscourt, the rule has long been to address all clergy as “Moruti”, which is In Gauteng, Mrs Sylvia Morrison, the older not gender-specific. In the Episcopal Church sister of Archbishop Emeritus , in the USA, numbers of parishes call their died last week at the age of 94. As a child, priests “Mother” – but what is your experi- when she was admitted to St Peter’s School ence, and how would you suggest we address in Johannesburg she took the whole family woman priests? I am comfortable with Thabo, with her into our church, so she is the reason but “Arch” is beautiful. Some call me variously Archbishop Desmond became an Anglican! ment they had drawn up on patriarchy in the Moruti, Solufefe, Mobabatsehi, Sua Graca or We offer the Tutu and Morrison families our Church and the gender-based violence it gen- Aartsbiskop, but Olga Kgoroeadira will never heartfelt condolences. erates. Although there was some criticism for stop calling me Father Thabo! engaging with a self-selecting group, I was We are going to have to learn to live with the happy to join the debate on how the Church, In this Month of Compassion – and Women’s coronavirus, and possibly with a second wave in the words of their statement, can “strive for Month in South Africa – I invite all of us to ori- of infections, at least until a vaccine is avail- the Kin-dom of God, where justice for women ent ourselves to the experiences and plight able for all. This means we have to change our is restored” and for “a new, beloved commu- of women, and to shine a spotlight on those behaviours, especially those involving physi- nity where all humans are affirmed as image behaviours that are life-transforming for us all. cal contact with others, and also to keep hope bearers of the living God.” alive – especially since scientists are report- Beginning this month, I am presenting read- ing good results with vaccine trials so far. The As it turned out, my exhortation that the way ings, hymns and reflections for weekday “virtual worship” initiatives which most of you to achieve change in the Church is to work Eucharist services, video-recorded for You- have adopted, offering services via Facebook, through those structures which can adopt Tube from my office in Bishopscourt. You will YouTube, WhatsApp and the like, are admi- and implement change was underlined after- find them on my blog, at : rable, and essential in this time, but they can wards by reactions from around the Province https://archbishop.anglicanchurchsa.org/ never replace in-person worship. calling for a more inclusive, thorough-going approach. I urge all women – including those I hope you will find them helpful. On September 1, the day on which we com- unhappy about not being included in the dia- memorate the life of the first Bishop of Cape logue with me – to take up issues in their par- God bless. Town, Robert Gray, we will consecrate the new ish, diocesan and provincial structures. Bishop of Table Bay, the Ven Joshua Louw, in †† Thabo Cape Town St George’s Cathedral. In line with lockdown Since men do not suffer the lived experience regulations, we will limit attendance to 50, of patriarchy, we need more women as lead- which means only Bishop-elect Joshua’s fam- ers in the Church. I am very concerned that ily and diocesan office-holders are likely to be there are only two woman bishops in the present. Please pray for him and his family as Province, hence my appointment of a com- they prepare for his consecration. mission to make recommendations to address the problem. But we need to go beyond the Recently I joined an online meeting with a episcopate – perhaps we need to legislate that group of eight women to discuss a state- there ought to be 50 percent representation

A message to the people of Lebanon We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the people of Beirut after the explosion in the city’s port on Tuesday, 4th August 2020. We have our own corruption and mismanagement to fight, but we are all part of the human family. In the interests of the families of the injured and the dead, we must speak the truth and condemn the inaction of the Lebanese authorities which led to the disaster. †† Thabo Cape Town 6th August 2020

Mother Teresa “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF CAPE TOWN Page 7 Sea Sunday celebrated on the island of Tristan da Cunha

Sea Sunday is observed in most sea ports and coastal towns around the world. On an island, such as Tristan da Cunha, our lives are much dependant upon the sea.

It is right that Christians should set aside one Sun- day in the year to focus on the lives of seafarers whose crucial work on the wide oceans is often perilous, and to pray for their safety, and for the responsible use of the sea and its resources.

On Tristan our fishing season started on 1st July for the fishing factory. It is respectfully suggested that on the island of Tristan da Cunha, that the last Sunday in June or the first Sunday in July be an appropriate Sunday to set aside for a time of prayer for the seafarers directly associated with the island, and for the fishermen.

Today with the corona virus disease (COVID-19) around the world, we are most fortunate not to have it on Tristan at the present.

We hope and pray that we don’t get it on our is- land in the future, otherwise Tristan would be a disaster and our livelihood forgotten.

- Lars Repetto

The Mission to Seafarers in the Port of Cape Town had to close its doors mid-March due to the first few cases of the Coronavirus and when the President announced the hard lockdown as of 27 March 2020. The doors had to remain close and much needed income was lost. Since 29th June 2020, the Mission has been operating on a limited scale. The impact of the closure has hit the Mission hard. Please donate to help us keep our doors open.

BANK DETAILS: Mission to Seafarers, Standard Bank, Acc No: 070838356 Branch, Thibault Square

Clergy institutions: Left to right: The Revd Grant Damoes was licensed on Saturday 25th July as rector of St Martin’s Bergvliet by the bishop-elect, the Ven Joshua Louw. The Archdeacon of Constantia, the Ven Terry Lester was present too. The Revd Chesnay Frantz was licensed on Sunday 26th July 2020 as rector of St Saviour’s Claremont by the bishop-elect, the Ven Joshua Louw. The Archdeacon of Rondebosch, the Ven Mark Long was present too.

“One love, one heart, one destiny.” Robert Marley Page 8 THE GOOD HOPE AUGUST 2020 Receptive learning in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing

Courage and Vulnerability in Christian Discipleship world, in the event of George Floyd’s brutal murder, as well as the chal- The Case of Matthew 18: 16-20/11:25-30 lenges that the African continent faces in quelling the alarming effect For Matthew, courage and vulnerability are recipes for Christian disci- of Covid-19 pandemic articulate this position. pleship. It is only when one is aware of his or her own vulnerability that one may be able to learn how to become courageous. The disciples’ Jesus of Matthew always insisted that it is within the rough and risky fear and vulnerability in Matthew’s gospel does not imply a dark side of circumstances in this world that one should try to live out his or her of discipleship, for it is in the context of fear and vulnerability where Christian life. God’s glory and reception are made real as we live our one’s strength of faith is found. What we normally see in the gospels is faith within the realm of the world’s challenges and adversity. The fact that it is in the realm of doubt and hesitation that Christ comes to the that in Matthew the risen Lord remains present in the life and mission aid of his disciples. Christian discipleship happens at the turning point, of his disciples articulates this position. For Matthew, the church is when less is expected, when the disciples seem to have lost their way; to be found where discipleship is nurtured in solidarity with the op- when fear and courage seem overwhelming, and risky choices requir- pressed and the marginalized of society. In Matthew, communal life ing to be made. It happens at a point of crisis where danger and op- lived in solidarity with the needy is a recipe for Christian discipleship. portunity come as avenues for grace. Though in the worldly formula we In learning receptively, we have come to realise that in spite of its detri- may assume that we become courageous by practicing acts of cour- mental consequences, what the Covid-19 pandemic has brought along age, it may not be so in Christian discipleship. In the gospel we are told is the possibility of a church beyond the walls, that the boundary-cross- that after the resurrection when the eleven disciples went to Galilee, ing nature of Jesus’ ministry in Matthew remains the foundation of the to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw Christian Ecclesia even for today. Covid-19 pandemic has come to make him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Despite their doubting, us realise that true church is found at the periphery not at the centre Jesus came to them for commissioning (Matthew 28:16-18). Jesus’ reen- of society. We have come to realise and learn of our own vulnerability, counter with the disciples was a moment of reassurance, reaffirmation, that picking up one’s cross to follow Jesus implies amongst others, sid- and encouragement. The good news, in the gospel of Matthew, is that ing oneself with the excluded, the suffering, and the marginalized of even ‘among those that worship there are some that doubt. The faith of society. The position taken by many health workers across the globe, those that are sincere may yet be very weak and wavering.’ The disci- some of whom have paid the price with their own lives articulate this. ples stood in suspense as if not knowing which way to go. Their doubts were afterwards removed as Christ drew near to their encounter for With the emergence of online teaching and learning, moving centres of commissioning and their faith grew up to full assurance. learning from the centre to the periphery in the context of lockdown precipitated by the covid-19 pandemic anticipates one of the high- In the realm of the Covid-19 pandemic, social distancing strengthens est expressions of receptive learning. Ansoc and all students find their receptive learning by placing its stress on social solidarity and indi- true identity, when they are involved in mission, in communicating to vidual responsibility. Social solidarity and individual responsibility as a others, a new way of life, ‘a new normal,’ to use the new vocabulary in praxis sees social distancing as a breaking of boundaries rather than the event of the Covid-19 pandemic, a new interpretation of reality and the perpetuation of exclusion. Hence, what receptive learning brings to of God, and in committing themselves to the liberation and salvation the fore, in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic and the need for social dis- of others. A courageous and boundary-crossing community that lives tancing, is the fact that, in Matthew, rather than being a fellowship of in the spirit of the great commission is one that understands itself as the chosen, detached from the world’s sorrows and agonies, the great being different from and committed to its environment, more particu- commission involves, from the outset, and as a matter of course, the larly, to the plight of the poor and the marginalized, a community that need to make both existing and new believers sensitive to the needs exists within its context and a way that is both boundary-breaking and of others. Opening their eyes and hearts to the challenges and hazards challenging. In the midst of fear, confusion, and uncertainty, this is a of others, to recognize injustice, suffering, oppression, and the plight community that seeks to drive itself back to its roots as found in Jesus of those who might have fallen by the wayside. Though painful it may of Nazareth who fulfils God’s love by helping the helpless. be, what the wounds of Covid-19 pandemic have come to highlight, This is an edited extract, to read the full report, both in the African continent as well as across the world, is the fact that log in to www.ctdiocese.org.za the quest to curb Covid-19 pandemic has offered world leaders the op- portunity to come face to face with structural injustices affecting many - the Revd Isaias Chachine (UCT Chaplain) marginalized communities across the globe. It has made policymakers ______realize that it would be extremely hard to social distance communities 1. Bosch, David J: Transforming Mission. Paradigm Shift in Theology of Mission. across the globe in the midst of injustice, poverty, and unemployment. Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York 1991, p. 68. To ignore this painful reality may be tantamount to perpetuating fur- 2. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible. Completed and ther injustices. Close scrutiny on the pandemic’s consequences reveals Unabridged. Hendrickson Publishers, New York 1997, p. 1775 that more people might have died of covid-19 pandemic because of 5. Hays, Richard B.: The Moral Vision of the New Testament. A Contemporary injustices and poverty. Current challenges in the USA and across the Introduction to New Testament Ethics. Continuum, T & T Clark 1996, p. 101

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Roy T. Bennett “We are all different. Don’t judge, understand instead.”