adminThe Rhodesia Herald, 5 May 1965
PRESSURE was being brought to bear on African clergy for more Africans in the hierarchy of the Anglican Church, the Reverend W. Nechironga of St. Johns Mission, Chikwaka, told the Synod at the Salisbury Cathedral yesterday.
He was speaking in the debate on the report of the commission on the division of the diocese.
He suggested an African assistant bishop be appointed in Manicaland under the guidance of the Bishop of Mashonaland.
“This restriction of Africans from the higher positions of the Church is a thorn in our flesh,” he said.
The rector of Sakubva, Canon E. B. Chipunza, asked whether an African Bishop would be completely acceptable to European churchmen.
Mr S. Coney a member of the Diocesan standing committee, then said: “I do not care what colour the man is, as long as he is the man for the job.”
The Bishop, the Rt Rev C. W Alderson, said nobody present could determine the question since the procedure for the election of bishops was clearly laid down by the provincial synod of Central Africa.
The Synod was adjourned until today.
The 200 delegates attending the Synod yesterday knelt for 10 minutes in silent prayer for the country and its needs.
A message was sent to the Queen expressing the Synod’s loyalty and devotion.
It was announced that the Rev Canon R. H. Clark and the Rev E. Chitsike had been elected canons of the cathedral to fill the vacancies caused by the departure of the Very Rev G. A. French-Beytagh and the Rev Canon R. G. Gibbon.
Canon Clark is rector of Umtali and Father Chitsike is priest-in-charge of St Faith’s Mission, Rusape.
The other canons of the cathedral are Canon Chipunza of Sakubva and Archdeacon C. P. V. Mason of Makoni.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
During the colonial era, political interference and racism were rife in the Church. While white ministers administered affairs of the Church among predominantly black congregants, black pastors could not do the same among white settlers.
With time and through advocacy and training, blacks entered into ministry. Today, blacks are not only the majority, but they run the affairs of the Church, including the Church of England and the Roman Catholic church.
The notion that only whites were called to run the affairs of the Church led to splits as blacks resisted, and started their own churches. The trend has resulted in many churches, countrywide.
If someone is competent for the job, nothing can stop him/her from occupying a high position in the Church.
All members, regardless of race, colour, creed or gender must be given equal opportunity in the administration of the affairs of the Church.
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