Grahamstown District Synod Report

Grahamstown District – “Creation Proclaims”

By Peter Woods

“Looking back at this year from where I am sitting, I can say to you that 2009 has been a year with exciting, challenging and sad moments.” 

These were the opening words of Bishop Musi Losaba's report to the 186th Synod of the Grahamstown District, which met from 27 to 29 May in the Port Elizabeth West Circuit at Walmer, Port Elizabeth. The  Synod theme was “Creation Proclaims”.

During the Synod, Bongani Ralo and Ayanda Mbaza gave an account of their conversion experience and call to ordained ministry of the word and sacrament. 

Three ordinands to the ministry of word and sacrament, Bevan Sylvester, Thembile Klaas, and Louis Williams, and Deacon Delphine Speelman, gave an account of their conversion experiences, their probation journeys and present sense of call.

Instead of the usual Bishop's address, Synod went on a creation outreach activity to the Gqebera Township in Walmer. 

Here we participated, in partnership in with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the Sodla Sonke Cleaning project, in the cleaning and greening of the area. Some of the delegates collected refuse and others distributed vegetable seeds and gardening equipment.

One Synod delegate commented, “This is what is called service delivery. We have just come from a service in the church and now we deliver.”

Synod delegates were encouraged to participate in the HIV/Aids testing which took place on Friday and Saturday mornings. This also included blood sugar and blood pressure testing.

In elections that took place, the following people were elected: Bishop Losaba, Lay Rep Mr S Nofemele, and Synod Secretary Rev Anthony Sutton.

The Mission Report informed Synod that outreaches took place in Langkloof, Hankey and would be going to the Alexandria Circuit in the near future. Rev M Makumsha was appointed District Mission Unit Secretary in place of Rev T Khanye, who is leaving at the end of 2010.

The resolutions committee presented the results of the group discussions of the previous day.  Some of the things discussed were pastoral baptism practices, and delegates were asked to send comment to Wesley Bentley of DEWCOM.

The title of “bishop for life” was rejected, and an increase of value of vehicles for travel allowance purpose, was recommended.

The Synod also resolved that race, gender and sexual orientation not be used as criteria when assessing a persons eligibility for leadership or ministry in the church.

During the remembrance service, the names of local preachers and a minister’s child who had died since Synod 2009 were read out. Various members brought tributes to Rev. Barry Marshall, who died in 2009.

Synod resolved to use October 2010 to raise awareness regarding environmental issues, and to hold a carbon-neutral 2011 Synod.

In a moving tribute, the Synod bid farewell to Judy Laine, who has served as the Bishop's Secretary during the terms of four bishops over 26 years.

We return to our circuits with a greater awareness of our responsibility toward the environment, and with a renewed passion and resolve to do the work of God to the best of our ability.