adminCletus Mushanawani News Editor
A CARNIVAL atmosphere engulfed the usually serene Manicaland Agricultural Show Society Showgrounds last Saturday as more than 3 000 Anglican church members from the length and breadth of the country gathered to witness the ordination, consecration and enthronement of Bishop Eric Ruwona.
Although it was business as usual for some players in the Small to Medium Enterprises sector who were busy with their daily chores, it was a hive of activity in the main arena as a sea of blue and white covered the area with church members warmly welcoming their new shepherd, Bishop Ruwona (44).
Food vendors also recorded brisk business as those in attendance found time to buy their stuff, while kombi operators were all smiles as they shuttled between the city centre and the showgrounds ferrying passengers to and from.
As in John 21 v 16 which reads: “Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep”, Bishop Ruwona has a mammoth task to shepherd over a diocese which was deeply divided on factional lines.
Over the years, some members had become sworn enemies, with some not prepared to share the same church buildings with their ‘enemies’. Some resorted to boycotting masses and receiving of the Holy Communion.
Fights over the control of church property and money were major discussing points whenever members met, be it at church or social gatherings.
Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Central Africa, Archbishop Albert Chama who presided over the ordination, consecration and enthronement of Bishop Ruwona rightly pointed out in his speech when he said: “Why do you want to resolve problems with the same mindset that you had when you created the problems.”
Archbishop Chama preached the gospel of unity, love and harmony in the church, something which if followed will usher the church to its past glory days when its education and health institutions were the envy of many.
Bishop Ruwona was elected as the new bishop of the Diocese of Manicaland by 22 electors who formed the Elective Assembly of the diocese on March 21 at the Cathedral of St John, the Baptist in Mutare.
His election followed the resignation of banker-cum-clergyman, Julius Makoni who resigned on March 1 to take up a new post at the International Monetary Fund.
The electoral process began with Solemn Mass celebrated by Archbishop Albert Chama.
The mandatory 26 days waiting period before the bishop-elect was confirmed into his new position elapsed resulting in Bishop Ruwona’s last Saturday’s enthronement which was witnessed by 13 bishops from the Province of Central Africa which covers Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.
Speaker after speaker spoke highly of Bishop Ruwona’s leadership qualities and wished him well in the new position as he becomes the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Manicaland. His predecessors include bishops Hatendi, Bakare, Jakazi (ex-communicated) and Makoni.
The diocesan registrar, Mr Ashley Mutungura, was over the moon and hailed the event as the best ever.
“This was one of the best events I have witnessed. Everything went according to plan and the turn-out was just massive as all people from all walks of life gathered to welcome the new bishop. From my humble opinion, I think the event was well organised. The sitting arrangement was superb and the public address system was loud and audible. Everyone regardless of where one was sitting was able to follow the programme through the PA system.
“I want to thank everyone for the support including the local media, especially The Manica Post for going out of its way in publishing the event for two consecutive weeks. Like what Archbishop Chama said it is now time for everyone to look into the future with hope. We want a unity of purpose in the church,” said Mr Mutungura.
He reiterated Archbishop Chama’s call for self-sustenance of all churches in the diocese.
“We need a fresh start in almost everything. Gone are the days of looking to foreign donors to sustain church programmes. All members should come up with self-sustenance programmes that suit their needs. If it means venturing into road-runners chicken projects, or growing bananas let it be because everyone has a role to play in raising funds for the church. The task to take the church to dizzy heights is right on our shoulders and we should all walk an extra mile to achieve our objectives,” said Mr Mutungura.
Although Bishop Ruwona was not readily available for an interview after his enthronement, he promised a dawn of a new era in the diocese during a recent interview with this publication.
“As bishops and priests, our mission is to preach the gospel of reconciliation because God wants people to have good relationships. Manicaland is the hub of Anglicanism in Zimbabwe and the diocese should lead by example of having united congregants who share the same vision, goals and aspirations.
“I am not new to the diocese having served here before as a priest and vicar-general and I know the problems besetting the church and I am a servant of the people. No-one will influence my mission here in Manicaland as some people might think, but I will be there for everyone. We need to heal all the wounds of the past and move forward together as a united family. When warring parties can come together and throw away their guns to work for the good of the people, why can’t we as Christians have the heart to forgive and embrace each other? We cannot be in the trenches forever. Like what the Bible says, the harvest is plenty, but the workers are few. There is enough work for everyone to do,” said Bishop Ruwona.
Bishop Ruwona was ordained as deacon in December 1994 and as priest in December 1995.
He led St Aidan’s Church which was established in 1924 to become a stand alone parish in 1996 and became its first priest.
Online Reporter