Visit Report 2015
[Source: Sheenagh Burrell]
The main purpose of my visit, along with the other partners of the Diocese of Niassa, was to attend The Diocese of Niassa Strategic Review to finalise the Diocesan goals for 2016-2020.
The Diocese has produced a summary of its plan (
1165Kb)
| Bishop Mark | |
| Suffragan Bishop Manuel | |
| Revd Helen Van Koevering | Director of Ministry |
| Rebecca Vander Meulen | Director of Mission |
| David Antonio | Diocesan Secretary |
| The seven Archdeacons | |
| Mario Muromua | Community Development Co-ordinator Zambezia |
| Jo Beale | WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programme in Zambezia) |
| Maria Mcambula | Diocesan MU president |
| Esperanca Mazula | Diocesan President for Bernard Mizeki brotherhood |
| Ricardo Mapeza | Co-ordinator Salt Light and Health project -Lakeshore |
| Diocesan Board members | which included priests like Claudia, and adeptos like Bola |
| Partners | ALMA, Anglicord, ERD, Nets for Life, Tearfund, and World Renew. (Each partner gave a presentation on their ‘organisation’: purpose, goals, history, and involvement in Niassa. Partners who had not been able to attend were all mentioned in the conference) |
The conference was co-ordinated by Jo and Rebecca with contributions by almost all of those present from the Diocese of Niassa: from introductions to presentations (context of Mozambique; Political landscape; History of Diocese; Where are we now; Vision; Growth) to translating, worship and prayer. A dynamic feature was the use of two projectors with dual language power points. Each person's presentation was translated so that it was possible at any time to look at one of the two screens and read in one's own language of comfort. This involved huge behind the scenes effort for the conference co-ordinators but contributed hugely to the success of the visuals and the conference.
I was struck again and again through the conference at how the way it was structured reflected the essence of 'umoja' (asset based community development) which characterises the Diocese of Niassa's approach to being church and to community development: by working with everyone, listening to people’s hopes, using and building on existing strengths, and honing skills in practical ways to develop capacity and confidence.
The review also provided opportunity for building relationships and networking as all tea breaks and meals were taken together in the dining hall at Kuchijinji, sometimes inside and sometimes out (when it was warm enough!)
The review began with a Eucharist at 7am, and after breakfast Bishop Mark welcomed everyone to the conference, the second stage of Niassa's strategic process for the next five year programme. The first day helpfully recapped the previous session in November 2014, chaired by Peter Timmerman of World Renew, as a way of inducting those who hadn't been at the first session.
This included looking back to 2003 and the growth of the diocese, with its vision:
To be a communion of communities transformed in Christ Jesus
focused on the three primary relationships that have underpinned the growth of the diocese in the decade 2003-2013:
| 2003 | 2013 | % increase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Members | 33,000 | 63,000 | 95% |
| Congregations | 243 | 428 | 76% |
| Parishes | 22 | 38 | 50% |
| Clergy | 18 | 58 | 222% |
| Ecclesiastical Districts (Archdeaconries) |
3 | 7 | 133% |
| Mothers’ Union | 945 | 3454 | 265% |
| Adeptos (Community Mobilisers/Supporters) |
2 | 41 | 195% |
| Equipas da Vida (life teams/HIV/and other community service |
0 | 325 | Infinite! |
Need to build on, and root this growth more deeply, and to future proof
| Admin | Pastoral | Theolog. Formation | Community Devel. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full time staff | 12 | 58 Clergy | 3 | 42 Adeptos |
| Specialist Volunteers | 428 Churchwardens | 1226 Catechists | 891 | 880 |
| Group members | N/A | 7212 | 20,051 Meeting weekly | 3406 Equipas da Vida |
| Area | Niassa | Lurio | Zambezia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Church Members | 47,000 | 5,500 | 13,000 |
| 2007 Census: Anglicans | 43,787 | 25,677* | 41,373* |
*Clearly Lurio and Zambezia present huge mission opportunities
| Um povo abencoadõ | A blessed people |
| Amados papa amar | Blessed to love |
| Estamos juntos | We are together |
| Vivendo em Deus | Living in God |
Each goal discussed in four small groups
Sozo is improved physical, Spiritual and emotional health for a dignified life and sharing this in the wider community. Greek used as there are 11 languages in Niassa Diocese. ‘Health’ already integrated in ‘Rooted in Jesus’ training
Governance; Policy & Procedure; Staff; Finances; M &E programmes; Partners
My attempt to chart this visually – not a Diocese of Niassa image –so I could internalise it!