The Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Grahamstown met at St Alban’s Church East London from last week to considered vital environmental issues.
The Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Grahamstown met at St Alban’s Church East London from last week to considered vital environmental issues.
These included climate change, human trafficking, alcohol and other substance abuse, polygamy and the abuse of initiation rites.
Over 100 clergy and laity from some 45 parishes which make up the Diocese of Grahamstown met under the chairmanship of Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali.
It was the first time since his installation as bishop that he has chaired the synod, which is the main decision-making body of the diocese which meets approximately every three years.
As well as routine church business these were some of the issues that synod discussed:
•The delegates committed their parishes to introduce green policies of water and electricity management and recycling.
•In accepting a motion concerning polygamy, they resolved to uphold the teaching of the church that marriage is a lifelong and exclusive union between two partners, and to provide teaching and support to those about to marry, married people and those whose marriages have failed.
•Among other church bodies, the Mothers’ Union will be embarking on a campaign against human trafficking, which seems to be increasing in the run-up to the World Cup.
•Two motions condemned alcohol abuse (appealing for better application of the existing licensing laws), and substance abuse in general. The diocese undertook to embark on an awareness campaign to educate young people about these dangers.
•The members of the Anglican Church in the Grahamstown Diocese re-committed themselves to working to eradicate the abuses which occur at some initiation schools, both medical malpractice which sometimes results in amputation or death, and undesirable teachings which can lead young men to treat women with disrespect.
The synod was conducted throughout in a joyful atmosphere of prayer and spirituality. People felt safe to express themselves, even when they disagreed with one another, and almost every resolution was – after a sometimes heated discussion passed unanimously.
