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Ad Clerum 4.13

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    Ad Clerum

    The Season of the Ascension Number 4/13

    Dear brothers

    I greet in Our Lords most Holy Name and thank you for all the work and discipline

    shown over the Easter period. As the Psalmist says, prosper thou the works of our

    hands; O prosper thou our handiwork. May the fruit of your labours be seen within

    your communities as your people grow in maturity of spirit and a full knowledge of God.

    As we enter the Season of the Ascension, we remember that Our Lord Jesus Christ has

    indeed gone before us to prepare a place for us, that where He is we may be also. It is a

    blessed promise, and one that gives us the Christian Hope upon which we anchor our

    lives.

    One of the comforts available to any Christian is the knowledge that Jesus is seated at

    the right hand of the Father, bearing the wounds of His blessed Passion, and constantly

    interceding for us. His glorified body carries the scars of life; he is a realSaviour, and not

    someone remote from daily stress and suffering. Can there be a greater source of hope

    than that for us or for our people?

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    The Priest as preacher

    There are two things required of any Christian preacher, clergy or lay.

    The first is the primary purpose of preaching, and that is the salvation of souls by thepreaching of Christ crucified, as you have doubtless done over this Holy Week and

    Easter. The second is preaching for the feeding of the Flock of God with something of

    real substance; that preaching begins as we enter the green period of the Church Year,

    in the Season of Trinity.

    Whoever calls upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on

    Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they

    have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall he preachexcept he be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the

    gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! [Rom 10:13-15]

    There is a balance that needs to be established within each preacher and each parish. If

    we batter our people with a message of salvation and conversion, week after week, we

    will soon lose the interest of those who desire to grow beyond the basics. However, if

    we begin with matters of fasting, prayer and other spiritual disciplines, we will have put

    the cart before the horse and the fundamental groundwork of salvation may not have

    been laid. The difficulty we face is getting through to all of our people all of the time.

    Preaching for Salvation: I am sometimes concerned that we feel that we cannotperform this basic preaching function within a Traditional Anglican context. Nothing

    could be further from the truth! We are obliged to bring salvation to all people, and

    failure to do so would be to render our Priesthood meaningless. A Priest can never

    become a mere dispenser of sacraments, as some have called us, as our ministry is

    primarily one of revealing the Grace of God to all people. What can be more powerful

    than a man of God, in Holy Orders, filled with the zeal of the Holy Ghost for the salvation

    of souls? Equally, nothing could be emptier than a clergyman placating those who are

    without the fundamental knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.

    Here then is my first challenge. Preaching is not always from a pulpit; it is often in the

    homes of our people, or somewhere totally unchurch. We are frequently told to think

    outside the box; I am asking you to think outside the church!

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    All our Christian heroes were people at work amongst their communities, and I think we

    could benefit greatly by following their example and stepping outside in search of the

    lost. This will need courage, certainly, and there is the risk of rejection or ridicule..butwe have witnessed Our Lord Jesus Christ deal with both those realities in Holy Week.

    The entire ministry of Jesus was done on the move, engaging individuals and

    communities where they lived and worked. The churches that have shown sustained

    growth over many years have been those engaged in traditional door-to-door

    evangelism, and those who truly know the families and needs of their people.

    The second challenge I put to us is this. Should someone come to us and throw

    themselves at the mercy of God in real repentance, how would we cope? It is a serious

    failing that many Christians would have no idea how to handle such a person in need. As

    a Priest, this should be a normal situation, the leading of another to a new life in Christ,

    and then guiding them in the path of Christian maturity. Are we always ready to meet

    an anxious enquirer after salvation?

    There is a third challenge I lay squarely before you. Are you sufficiently familiar with

    your New Testament Scriptures that you would be able to show a would-be convert the

    verses that will lead that person to Our Lord? The Book of Common Prayer is wonderful,

    and it is a treasure for our church..but, the Word made Flesh is found in the pages of

    Holy Scripture. If your answer to my challenge is Yes, then I am pleased; if not, what

    have you been doing all these years?

    I hope that I have been able to shake us up just a little? I urge us all to make the

    preaching for Salvation the primary part of our Priestly ministry.

    Preaching to feed the Flock of God: The Apostle Paul rebukes the people of Corinthwhen he says And I, brethren, could not speak to you as unto spiritual, but as unto

    carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with solid food; for

    to this time ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now were ye able. [1Cor3:1-2]

    Here is our most difficult balancing act, to move those who have believed away from a

    constant visitation of beginnings, into a situation of mature Christian growth, and that

    without offending any who have come to worship. Part of this process is moving the

    preacher himself, for if we are not careful we can find ourselves stuck in a Repent!

    Repent! Repent! cycle of preaching. This change of focus will require a thorough

    knowledge of our people, and consummate skill in both our preparation and address.

    What are the things that one would need to address in order to facilitate thismovement from child-like Christianity to a robust life of Faith that is able to withstand

    the assaults of the world, the flesh and the devil? Let us explore just a few together:

    Developing within our people a rhythm of daily prayer and Bible study, and the

    emphasis of the importance of a quiet time with God. I should imagine you

    would have to supply reading material it is readily available.

    The emphasis upon regular worship, and in particular partaking of the Sacrament

    of Holy Communion. Exposure also to Prayer and Bible Study Groups.

    Understanding what Holy Communion is and does for the believer. This would

    involve teaching Masses on the Sacraments.

    The need, not only for repentance, but for a new creature to emerge, free from

    old sins.

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    That naturally leads to Christian discipline what and how.

    If we are forgiven, then what about forgiveness of others in our own lives? That

    is a lesson that takes time to learn and apply. Teaching on Confession. Prayer at a level not just for beginners. Teaching on Intercession, Supplication

    and Adoration. Meditative prayer at home, with the Scriptures and before the

    Blessed Sacrament. Fasting and the deepening of ones prayer life.

    Tithing as a discipline for all believers for the growth of Gods church.

    Evangelism - a how to for believers who wish to communicate what they have

    discovered in Jesus Christ.

    The Christian family

    Preaching for vocations

    Christian Mission - the use of outside voices and testimonies in your church. Call

    in a reputable missionary society to make a presentation to your congregation.

    Perhaps you may even have a missionary-in-waiting in your congregation?

    Many of these matters could and should be dealt with in Bible Study groups and Cell

    Groups, but as a Priest, the leading of the people and the seeds of deeper thought do

    have to come from us.

    As we move steadily towards the Feast of Pentecost and then, immediately thereafter,

    the Feast of Trinity, there is a great deal of material that will require prayer and deep

    thought from us as we deliver our messages. As in any race, we need to keep ahead of

    the competition, and in this case, it is the people in the pews, hungry for the words of

    wisdom that will lead them to a deeper faith. My prayer is that you will allow yourselves

    to be open to the movement of the Holy Ghost in terms of your content and yourdelivery, and that you and your people will grow into the fullness of the Body of Christ.

    A very busy time in the church

    Holy Week and Easter were tremendously busy in every parish throughout Southern

    Africa. May I ask that you send me some pictures of your Palm Sunday processions and

    of your Easter celebrations? I would like to place them on our website.

    Diocesan Standing Committee:

    A full day Diocesan Standing Committee meeting took place on Saturday 13 th April. Our

    thanks go to the Parish of St Andrew, Mondeor, for their hospitality in allowing us to usetheir facilities.

    This was an important meeting, and together with the Vicar General of Zimbabwe, Fr

    Wellington Murinda, and the Vicar General of Zambia, Fr Andrew Mukuyamba, we had

    some good talks regarding the future of the church in Southern Africa. These proposals

    will be brought to you in our next Synod for discussion and action.

    Growth in the Southern African region is steady and sustained, and we took great

    encouragement from the reports tabled; from Theological Education through to

    Community Projects, the hard work of all our people is paying dividends. It is clear that

    established works are being developed, and all were urged to seek quality and not

    simply to chase quantity in developing the church. Valuable time was also spent on

    developing a Missionary focus amongst our members.

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    Fr Murinda and Fr Mukuyamba joined the worship at St Andrews on Sunday 14 th April

    and the people were able to hear of their mission work and their vision for the church.

    I am grateful to all those who serve on the Diocesan Standing Committee for theirdedication to the life of our church.

    Members of Diocesan Standing Committee meeting at Mondeor

    Fr Andrew Mukuyamba (centre) reports on the Zambian church

    Standing Committee members take a break and catch up on news

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    Diocesan News:

    As you can see from the pictures above, Fr Martin Magoleng is wearing an eye patch

    and is struggling with his health. Please continue to pray for him and his family.

    In the last Ad Clerum I informed you of the death of Canon Jacob Masakalas daughter,

    Dephne. Fr Masakala is deeply grateful to all who phoned him with condolences and

    messages of support for his family. The funeral was held on Easter Saturday in the

    pouring rain, and I commend the local clergy for their tremendous support. Fr

    Lesenyeho (Botshabelo) and Fr Dimpane (Bloemfontein) were present, as was Fr Isaac

    Moshoadiba (and three taxis of laity!) all the way from Qwa Qwa. The Bishop Michael

    also attended the funeral, and Fr Masakala was able to be with his family in their time of

    grief.

    Fr Moshoadiba, Fr Lesenyeho and Fr Dimpane outside a very wet St Lukes, Botshabelo

    Setting up the altar for Canon Masakalas daughters funeral. Fr Masakala is in the background.

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    The Blessing of Holy Oils and Renewal of Priestly Vows took place at Holy Cross,

    Groenkloof, on Maundy Thursday, and was a very blessed service for all who attended.

    Next year this service will take place in the Bloemfontein area, to enable those whowere unable to travel the opportunity of experiencing the unity of clergy, intent on

    service of Our Lord and the worship of His Holy Name.

    Bishop Michaels visit to the Anglican Church in America (TAC) for the Consecration

    of Bishop Owen Williams and Bishop James Hiles

    At the invitation of Bishop Brian Marsh, I travelled to the United States to participate in

    the Consecration of Fr Owen Williams and Fr James Hiles. Both Consecrations took placein the Boston area, and so the journey was a long one. I am grateful to Fr James Hiles for

    arranging my travel.

    Upon arrival in the USA, I joined the ACA House of Bishops in my capacity as Secretary to

    the TAC College of Bishops. It was most interesting to hear their discussions for growth

    and unity, and I was able to renew many friendships formed in 2011 and 2012.

    This meeting was followed by the ACA Executive Meeting (very like our Standing

    Committee) and I was able to share some of our African experiences with them.

    Delegates from Puerto Rico Gil Millar (ACA) and Erv Litschke (IAF Director)

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    Bishop Owen Williams (25th April)

    We travelled about two hours North of Boston to New Hampshire for the Consecration of

    Bishop Owen Williams at Trinity Pro-Cathedral. It is a beautiful church and was built by thecurrent congregation.

    The Consecration service was wonderful. TAC Bishops from Puerto Rico, Canada, US and

    South Africa were in attendance and we were joined by Bishop Grundorf of the APA. The

    preacher at this service was Bishop John Vaughan.

    Bishop Owen Williams is brought forward by Bishop George Langberg and Bishop Juan Garcia.

    The service was followed by a reception in the hall of Trinity Church. The whole parish

    community was highly excited by the event.

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    Bishop Owen Williams with his fellow Bishops.

    Bishop James Hiles (27th April)

    The Rt Rev Dr James Hiles is a fine addition to the ACA and to the TAC College of Bishops,as he brings with him years of experience and a sharp theological mind. His Doctorate is

    in Old Testament Theology. The Parish of St Pauls, Brockton, comprises about 75%

    members who have come from various parts of Africa and the Caribbean, and so I felt

    right at home! It is a thriving community, and was host to the World Convention of

    Continuing Anglican Churches held in 2011 at which I was one of the speakers. I was the

    preacher at Bishop Hiles Consecration, and the church was filled to capacity, and the

    people were justifiably proud of their Rectors achievement.

    Bishop James Hiles is brought forward Bishop James receives the Laying on of Hands

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    Bishop James Hiles with some of the Consecrating Bishops.

    Bishop James Hiles is presented to the congregation.

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    I have had time to reflect on the progress made within the Traditional Anglican

    Communion since our College of Bishops meeting in Johannesburg in 2012, and there is

    a lively spirit of optimism amongst us all. Those who have been Consecrated to replaceBishops who had left for the Roman Catholic Church are devout and holy men, intent on

    glorifying God and spreading His Good News to all people.

    It is a strong and unified College of Bishops that is emerging; a far cry from the fractured

    and divided body of only a few years ago. I am confident that as a Communion we are

    poised for great works for God!

    Please pray for the Bishops of the Traditional Anglican Communion as we go forward in

    the Faith of Our Lord Jesus Christ that His will may be done and His Holy Name glorified.

    Please pray especially for those who were Consecrated this past month (and that would

    include Bishop Shane Janzen of Canada) they are in need of daily intercession as they

    begin a new life of ministry in the church.

    A final word on the wife of the Priest:

    The expectations of our people concerning the ministry of the Priests wife are often

    most unreasonable. Yes, she is a supportive part of his life and work, and must evidence

    the values of faith and devotion to Our Lord Jesus Christ, BUTshe is not an ordained

    person, and she is not obliged to take on any leadership role within a parish (eg. Mother

    Union or St Veronicas Guild chairperson). The wife of the Priest often has a career of

    her own and a family to care for, and she has the right to pursue her own vision of what

    God has in mind for her in terms of service. Part of the ministry of a Priest is the

    empowering of the people of God to reach their full potential as Christian men and

    women, and I am quite sure there are women capable of leadership within the parisheswell suited and eager to serve? Of course, should your wife desire to assist your ministry

    in a leadership role, that is perfectly fine, but I would like to see you protect your wife

    from any unreasonable expectations. Please feel free to contact me if you are having

    any difficulties in this area.

    Be assured of my constant prayers for you and your family, and may your Pentecost be

    filled with the power of the Holy Spirit!

    In Christ

    Bishop Michael Gill

    Southern Africa


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