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, skilfully, 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 acknowledged for the rich contributions they made. Archbishop 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:

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