From Church Leaders
[Source - Bishop Dinis Sengulane - November 2013]
We have received three messages from Bishop Dinis in Lebombo, Mozambique, concerning the recent violence in Mozambique; the visit of the Bishop of Angola, André Soares, to Lebombo; and the Diocese’s recent festivals and Family Weekend.
Recent events of shooting and killings in politically motivated military attacks in rural areas and kidnapping in urban areas are saying that peace in Mozambique needs the prayers and practical involvement of all. Only some of Clergy from Beira and Chimoio were able to make it to Maciene for the Diocesan Family weekend and all at great risk. Also from the southern part there are people who could not make it, such is the uncertainty as to where is the next target for a gun attack. Some of the areas where gunfire has been experienced we have some of our Congregations like Zove and Maringwe.
At the Diocesan Family weekend after hearing the various facets of the conflict a communiqué was issued in which we affirm that the use of guns has no justification at all as the dialogue is in progress and with specific steps planned for those days; the use of the word retaliation to justify the silencing of the voice of dialogue by the noise and destruction of guns cannot be accepted; a call for more representative delegation at the peace dialogue by including women and youth as these are often the main victims in armed conflicts was made.
The situation is confusing as to where we are heading as both sides seem to be dominated by those who believe in a military solution to settle the differences which politicians hold although we believe that the leaders hold a negotiated solution. But we trust in our loving God and also in the peace loving nature of Mozambicans that we believe that a peaceful outcome is on the way. Initiatives by civil society in addition to what was being done already will show us the way through.
May God prevail among us
The Right Reverend André Soares, Bishop of the Missionary Diocese of Angola paid a fraternal visit to Lebombo, from 25 to 30 October.
His visit was in response to an invitation by Bishop Dinis to participate in the Diocesan Family week end held on 26 and 27 October, and also to bring the contribution of Anglicans in Luanda – Angola to the victims of floods early this year.
During his short but highly appreciated visit, Bishop Soares spoke to the Clergy and spouses, spoke to the Diocesan Standing Committee, to those thousands who held the vigil and to those more thousands who heard him preach at the Solemn Eucharist on Sunday.
The Bishop of Angola’s visit provided an opportunity to think about partnership between the Dioceses, both members of ALMA, Parish to Parish partnerships and various areas of cooperation. Literature produced in Lebombo for worship and Christian formation has been a common tool for Church growth which needs to be widely used, specially as so many features are common and also the fight against malaria.
In spite of the distance between the two Dioceses and consequently travelling costs are very high, it is quite clear that these two obstacles have to be overcome as potentialities are immeasurable and more flights have been increased from two to three weekly. Visas also between the two countries are difficult and expensive.
Sad and dangerous incidents, some affecting directly clergy returning from the Diocesan Family week end who had their journey back to their homes delayed because of shooting near Zove were unfortunately part of the reality during the Bishop’s visit and that made him more aware of the need for Angolans to continue to pray for peace in Mozambique.
WE HAVE JUST HAD three Patronal Festivals in Maciene Archdeaconry, sandwiched with the Diocesan Family weekend on 26 and 27 October. These were very important occasions.
While St Luke’s Chilumbela celebrated very timidly their day with only 40 members present for the celebrations, St. Luke’s Cavelene attracted more than 500 people with ten baptisms and 125 confirmations; and All Saints Nhamavila attracted more than 1000 people, who attended the service with more than 160 confirmations with 20 baptized adults. While Cavelene was blessed with heavy rains that forced everyone in to a crowded building with more than half of the Congregation outside, Nhamavila had the blessing of being able to hold the service outdoors with people climbing on trees, water tanks and standing on vehicles to participate with their eyes in the celebration. It was beautiful to hear each catechist informing about the number of confirmands from their areas and to share how much they had learned from the service which they will implement and enlarge in their Congregation.
Both St. Lukes Congregations and All Saints had their eyes and minds in the celebration of the Diocesan Family weekend when at our Cathedral, through song, drama, financial gifts, sharing seeds, reflections in groups would occupy the space between Saturday 12.00 to Sunday after the solemn Eucharist preceded by the visit to the cemetery and procession. That is the time when many people equip themselves with the literature for worship and Christian formation which is sold on this occasion. The new items of literature were hymns and chorus increased from 87 to 190 items, 100 prayers from childhood up a Christian response to alcoholism which is one of our worse tragedies affecting young, academic and illiterate, rich and poor, Christians and atheists, men and women.
Over 5000 people attended Diocesan Family weekend coming from all Archdeaconries in spite of the fear caused by insecurity which prevented some from travelling. Unfortunately we concluded that the celebrations of 15th anniversary of Zove will not take place this year as the are has become centre of recent attacks and many people have fled from there. Teachers and nurses have also fled and the Clergy have also gone to safer places as there is no one to care for.
May the Prince of Peace turn our politicians and others into peacemakers.
In Christ’s Peace
+Dinis Lebombo