The Province of Central Africa - ANGLICAN-INFORMATION update 17th December 2007

Malawi, Diocese of Lake Malawi

Strange meeting in Lake Malawi Diocese

A meeting was held on Saturday, 15th December 2007 in Lilongwe, in Diocese of Lake Malawi in a further attempt to resolve the ongoing impasse over the failure to confirm the election of the new bishop.

The meeting, called and chaired by Bishop Albert Chama acting Dean of the Province and Bishop of Northern Zambia, was attended by the Diocesan Standing Committee, which included both laity and clergy. However, Bishop Chama only allowed the Archdeacons present to speak and previous synodical resolutions were not taken into account. Bishop Chama advised the meeting that he will be announcing his 'decision' in due course.

One of those present reports:

"The meeting lasted less that 30 minutes. The meeting was rather odd. Laity or any other Christians were not allowed to say anything. All this happened in the presence of the Vicar General, Rev Michael Mkoko who has been part of the meetings where the resolutions were made both at the Diocesan and Archdeaconry level, that 'the People of Diocese of Lake Malawi do not want fresh elections but to take the case to the Provincial Court'. (see our news item 2nd December www .anglican-information-archive .org)

The meeting ended with Bishop Chama, who had been accompanied by Bishop Muchombo of Eastern Zambia, saying "You will hear from me, my decision might be in your favour or not."

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Zimbabawe, Diocese of Harare

Continuing struggle for control of the Diocese of Harare

Meanwhile in Zimbabwe the struggle for the diocese of Harare goes on with the parish of St Peter's, Meyrick Park (ironically the church attended by Bishop Nolbert Kunonga's sister) voting unanimously last week to stay in the Central African Province. Other parishes are to follow with their decisions shortly.

The UK Church Times has reported that the parish of St Mary Magdalene, Avondale has issued a statement saying that 'Dr Kunonga's breakaway organisation is: "unlikely to be recognised by the worldwide Anglican Communion"' ANGLICAN-INFORMATION notes that this is true and the most recent 'Advent Pastoral Letter to Primates of the Anglican Communion & Moderators of the United Churches'* about the status of dissident and breakaway parishes and dioceses in the Anglican Communion, reinforces this.

The dissident Bishop Nolbert Kunonga has very recently ordained a number of unqualified men none of whom have attended or completed any theological training. Bishop Sebastian Bakare the former Bishop of Manicaland who has been charged with the unenviable task of regaining the diocese from Kunonga's grip has said in a Christmas message; 'One sometimes wonders whether we in Zimbabwe are aware of the power that darkness has upon us. The power of darkness is visible where people live in fear; where violence prevails as well as a sense of hopelessness…….if we are unable to acknowledge the power of darkness, we will also fail to see the light that the birth of Jesus brings into our world and nation.'

Online correspondents in Zimbabwe report that:

"At St Peter's, Meyrick Park the former priest, Prosper Muzambi (a Kunonga supporter) has been told to go by the churchwardens but is still in the rectory. (There are signs of financial incentives for him to stay)

The Cathedral remains a Kunonga stronghold of despite the wishes of the congregation. (The Dean proposed the motion for leaving the Province) The deacon, ordained last week before he had completed his training, celebrated at the English service last Sunday. Kunonga took the marriage of the Dean's daughter in the afternoon.

Rumours are flying around of intimidation 'priest on priest' and fears are being expressed for Bishop Bakare's safety."

*Accessed on: The Anglican Communion Website http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/news.cfm/2007/12/14/ACNS4354)

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