About the Diocese of Grahamstown (Anglican Church of Southern Africa)

The Anglican Diocese of Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa was founded over 150 years ago in 1853. Ebenezer St Mark Ntlali is the Bishop. More about Bishop Ebenezer ...

In solemn procession, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba (2nd from right) arrives in the Queen’s College Recreation Grounds for the Inauguration of the new diocese. Rubin Phillip, Bishop of Natal (5th right) was the preacher.

New Diocese of Ukhahlamba inaugurated 3 October 2009

Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town, inaugurated the new Diocese of Ukhahlamba in Queenstown on 3 October. The legal process took place in the context of a wonderful four-hour praise-filled service of Holy Communion, attended by clergy and laity from the new diocese, the Diocese of Grahamstown and further afield. The Bishops of Natal, Free State, Mthatha and Umzimvubu were present, as well as Ebenezer Ntlali, Bishop of Grahamstown. The ceremony took place in a marquee on the Queen’s College Recreation Ground. The theme of Bishop Rubin Philip’s sermon was “living stones”. A newly-formed Ukhahlamba Diocesan Choir led the inspiring singing, and the 250-strong Servers’ Guild of the new diocese was represented by a large contingent of young people. A praise singer acclaimed the Archbishop, Bishop Ntlali and Ukhahlamba Diocese, and there was a dance offering by a traditional group. For more pictures of the occasion Click here

The new Diocese was formed out of the two northern Archdeaconries of Grahamstown Diocese, and includes Aliwal North, Burgersdorp, Sterkspruit, Barkly East, Dordrecht, Sada, Queenstown, Cathcart, Lady Frere, Lanti, Bholothwa and Tarkastad.
During the service Archbishop Makgoba licensed Gordon Johnson, Priest-in-Charge of Barkly East, to be Vicar-General to oversee the process of summoning an Elective Assembly to meet on 21 January and ensuing days, in order to elect the first Bishop of Ukhahlamba. The Revd Lawrence Nzwana will remain Bishop’s Vicar until the new Bishop is installed.
Click here for a map and history of events leading up to the multiplication.

Vacant Parish: St John East London

A Rector is sought for the vacant parish of St John East London. To read the parish profile, Click here

Statement by the Archbishop of Cape Town addressed to the Church in Pakistan

The Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, has sent a letter to the Primate of the United Church of Pakistan, in response to the Statement by the Executive Committee of their Synod that follows the latest fatal attack on Christians there. To read the letter Click here

Address by the Archbishop of Cape Town at a meeting of Western Cape religious leaders with the State President

Religious leaders of the Western Cape welcomed President Jacob Zuma, President of the ANC and of South Africa, at a meeting at Bishopscourt, the home of the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, on Saturday October 17. For the full text of the welcoming address given by the Most Revd Dr Thabo Makgoba click here

Memoirs of Canon Nancy Charton published

Nancy Charton, one of the first women to be ordained priest in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, and an Honorary Canon of Grahamstown Cathedral, has published her memoirs under the title "The Calling". The book was originally published privately in a very limited edition, but has now been edited by Dr Wilhelm (Billy) Meyer and reissued by Cluster Publications. Nancy Charton has had a long and varied life, and has gone through many experiences including abuse as a child, mental illness and a period of complete atheism. This book records her walk of faith, her involvement with the social issues of the day, and makes fascinating reading. It can be ordered from Cluster Publications for R99 (plus postage). To read more detail, and to order, Click here

"Taking one step at a time" by John Cooper

Selected poems and writings by John Cooper, a priest of the Diocese of Grahamstown who died in 2005, have been published by his widow Dr Vivien Cooper, of P O Box 2067, Beacon Bay 5205, Tel.082 782 3326.
Price: R90, of which R20 will go towards Diocesan HIV/AIDS work.
It is also available from St Nicholas' Church, Beacon Bay, P O Box 2518, Beacon Bay 5205. Tel. 043 748 6100. More...

Statements on current issues

Statement issued by the Synod of Bishops of the ACSA, September 2009

The Synod of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA) met in Midrand, Gauteng, from 7 to 9 September 2009. They issued a statement ...

For earlier articles and statements click on "Articles" on the black stripe at the top of the page.

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba's blog

To read Archbishop Thabo Makgoba's latest "Ad Laos" click on the link on the grey stripe at the side of the page.