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The Rhodesia Herald, June 21, 1968
AN increase in membership was reported by nearly all parishes at the annual meeting of the Anglican Church Women’s Associations of the Diocese of Mashonaland that was held yesterday at Christchurch in Borrowdale.
More than 80 women, from as far as Gatooma, started the day with celebration of the holy communion.
In her report, the retiring chairperson Miss Janet Paul, particularly welcomed representatives from the new association of St Edmunds, Hartley, who were attending the meeting for the first time.
“The Fort Victoria members must always be in their kitchens when not in church, as they seem to cater for every local function, including civic luncheons,” said Miss Paul while congratulating the associations on the money raised during the year.
“But it does seem that the burden of raising money falls on the women of the church. Perhaps we have ourselves to blame. Sometimes I feel women enjoy being martyrs.”
With most parishes hard pressed financially, Miss Paul thought there may be some criticism of the amount of money raised for charitable organisations, but it was felt that this time the church must be concerned with all needs elsewhere.
The theme of the meeting was “Church unity”, on which the president Lady Gibbs spoke.
“It is, I believe one of the healthiest signs of the movement towards unity that the laity are not sitting back waiting for a decision from the clergy, but are keenly preparing to make their own decision,” she said.
“It is a matter which affects every member of the Christian family. I think it is proper that each one of us should become involved and that one of us should be prepared to weigh the factors for ourselves and make decisions on our own accord.”
Talking of the practical effects of non-unity, Lady Gibbs continued: “I think we might also put ourselves in the place of our African population – especially those in the rural areas – and imagine the perplexity non-unity must cause to them.
“I wonder how many are asking themselves: ‘But is it not the same God we are praying to?’”
However, the president warned against throwing caution aside.
“How can we help in this great project? What is our task as Rhodesian women in this drive towards unity?
“We should support and encourage inter-denomination services and meetings and realise that it is not a crime to sit or kneel or stand at the wrong place during a service.”
LESSONS FOR TODAY
- Unity is a pre-requisite for success. Without unity, and plans, organisations tend to fail because there is no cohesion among the members
- Christianity knows no boundaries because everyone, regardless of race, colour, creed, or social standing is regarded as equal before the Lord. Christianity is a relationship with God. Therefore, there is no room for stereotyping and racism in the body of Christ.
- Women, especially in churches, tend to be more organised than men and as such, they play major roles especially in raising funds for the needy as well as for church activities.
Online Reporter