ANGLICAN-INFORMATION
‘A voice for the voiceless’

Excommunications? - News from Upper Shire Diocese, Malawi,
Anglican Central African Province

ANGLICAN-INFORMATION updated news regarding the impasse over elections for a new bishop in Upper Shire diocese, previously the diocese of former Archbishop Bernard Malango.

Readers will recall that diocesan representatives had voted unanimously against the House of Bishops favoured candidate Alinafe Kalemba, Dean of the new Anglican Theological College in Zomba. In an embarrassing confrontation with clergy Bishop James Tengatenga of Southern Malawi had tried to publicly humiliate a priest (who was then suspended from duties simply for objecting to the bishops’ choice) Tenagtenga had also earlier come out with the surprising undemocratic and racist ‘if you elect a white bishop I shall resign’ public comment.

The case was the taken to Court as clergy plaintiffs tried to stop the bishops forcing Kalemba on the diocese, dismissed on a technicality and subsequently allowed as an upcoming High Court case. All of this saga can be followed from 16th February onwards on our website – details below.

Diocesan Standing Committee Threats of excommunication
Last week the Diocese of Upper Shire Standing Committee met, in the absence of any bishops as they are at the Lambeth Conference.

There was apparently a mood for reconciliation and a desire on the part of the people for indaba. Instead it has been reported to us that the Chancellor Justice James Kalaile chairing the meeting produced ‘a lot of intimidating remarks’ culminating in ‘ushering the words of Excommunication to the plaintiffs and all who support the High Court injunction.’

ANGLICAN-INFORMATION observes that it is now quite easy to be excommunicated in the Province of Central Africa, either for serious cause as in the case of ‘Archbishop’ Nolbert Kunonga, formerly of Harare or simply for wanting fair elections and proper procedures.

Back home: The remaining Central African bishops will begin to return from the Lambeth Conference next week – it is our prayer that their return maintains the same spirit of reconciliation and holiness that remarkably the Archbishop of Canterbury seems to have achieved against all odds at Lambeth 2008 where even apparently irreconcilable differences can be faced up to in friendship.

If that is the case then perhaps finally the many problems of the Central African Province can be resolved by means other than habitual in-fighting and excommunication.

..................END...............

ANGLICAN-INFORMATION
‘A voice for the voiceless’

ANGLICAN-INFORMATION is a network acting as a free conduit for news and information related to the Anglican Diocese of Lake Malawi, and the Province of Central Africa. It is organised by an international team of those who know and love Africa and Malawi well. We reserve the right to reflect on the news as we receive it for the benefit of our worldwide audience.

Information received by the network is sent privately and anonymously worldwide by
e-mail to those who have an interest in and concern for Africa in general and Malawi in particular. If appropriate, some items are also released into the public domain. Details of mailshot recipients always remain strictly confidential and are never released.

As many recipients do not have access to fast Internet connections most items are simple text format for ease of access.

ANGLICAN-INFORMATION does not claim any authority for items posted other than that of the contacts or authors ascribed to the articles. Every endeavour is made to present accurate information.

Individual questions for clarification or items for publication can be e-mailed to:
mail at ANGLICAN-INFORMATION dot org Communications will be responded to confidentially on a one to one basis. Items for publication will be considered according to their relevance.

If you wish to be removed from the mailing list or to request that an e-mail address should be added to future mailings simply send your request to:
mail at ANGLICAN-INFORMATION dot org