By ACNS staff

The Diocese of Botswana has called the ordination of 14 Deacons at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Saturday "historic".

The Diocese is celebrating this particular batch of deacons because they were the first to be trained at St Augustine Theological School in, Gaborone, Botswana.

Susan Mogwera of the Diocese told ACNS: "It is historic for the diocese as these are the first group of students to be trained locally."  She added that their ordination means a significant increase in number of deacons for the diocese.

At the service The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Botswana, the Rt Reverend Metlhayotlhe Beleme, stressed the importance of teamwork. 

He urged ordained leaders to work with their congregations as a team, explaining that while an ordained leader has his/her special roles, everyone in the church has an important part to play. “The ordained leader is only one member in a team ministry, a fellowship of people who work together to carry out God’s plan,” he said.

The Bishop spoke about the the roles and responsibilities of ordained leaders, but stressed they should never forget the vital role lay members play in the life of the church.

The new deacons are The Revd Bashie Tsheole, The Revd Bakang Lesetedi, The Revd Jacob Modisenyane, The Revd Samuel Moraloki, The Revd Peter Moshapa, The Revd Martin Mosima, The Revd Ford Gaogane, The Revd Bonny Bashe, The Revd George Moshapa, The Revd Solomon Diphoko, The Revd Octavius Bolelang, The Revd Martin Mosima and The Revd Western Medupe.

Also ordained deacon were The Revd Kealeboga Lekoba who was taught at Bishop Gaul College in Harare, Zimbabwe and The Revd Scott Owings went to Sewanee Theological School in Tennessee, USA.

Notaries present at the event included Canon James Amanze, the Principal of St Augustine Theological School.

Fr Dr Leon Spencer from the Diocese of North Carolina and Bishop Brian Smith from the Diocese of Newcastle trained the students.

They new deacons will serve in different parishes across the diocese.