Bishop pleas for calm

Bishop Dr. Z. Kameeta writes:
 
To the parishes and institutions of the ELCRN. Dear Sisters and Brothers in our Lord Jesus Christ, I greet you with the Word from the book of the prophet Zechariah 4 vs. 6. “The Angel told me to give Zerubbabel this message from the Lord: You will succeed, not by force nor by strength, but by my spirit says the Lord Almighty” In the Republikein dated 19/ 08/2010, appeared an article which claims to be pleading against division, but instead fuelling more division and animosity.

Generalizations in a conflict situation is more damaging than helpful. The journalist in question do not bother to verify the facts and rather sacrifices the ethics of journalism and his own objectivity, by making the onslaught on the ELCRN his own.

The present situation was caused by some individuals in the ranks of pastors, who rejected the unanimous decisions of the parishes and the High Synod to re-elect the incumbent Bishop for a fulltime period of six years beyond his retirement age.

This full term of six years was proposed by the current chairperson of the Synod, who in defence of the Church leadership and the decisions of the 2007 High Synod, got involved in a fight with a colleague. This was reported widely in the media in and outside the country.

What happened after this which made him abandon what he defended so passionately, is for me difficult to comprehend. In the article which pleads against division an attack is launched against the leadership in phrases such as: “Die euwels binne die hoogste gesag” (Evil in the highest office) “Ek wil hê dat ons leiers hul maskers moet afhaal (I want our leaders to remove their masks).”

How do you call for unity, peace and reconciliation while at the same time launching a vicious attack on the leadership? The character assassinations, backstabbing, smses etc. did not start today but it started a few weeks before the 2007 Synod and continually until today.

This was aimed at the leadership elected by that Synod. The chairperson of the Synod was suffering together with the present leadership, whose authority and leadership he is questioning and challenging today.

The tragedy is that those who oppose the re-election and election of the present leadership and proponents of a tribal church are still hiding in the shadows, while pushing the legally elected chairperson of the Synod to the front and as such place him in a very much vulnerable situation which is jeopardising this important position of the High Synod.

It will be a fresh and new beginning for the chairperson of the Synod to revisit his decision not to meet his two co-chairpersons in a meeting to which he previously agreed. This meeting would have culminated in another meeting with the Bishop in search for unity and peace, which is purposely disturbed by those who aspire for leadership before the end of the term of the incumbents.

I started the Episcopal ministry with a vision of renewal, empowerment and ownership, therefore I call upon all the members of the ELCRN to participate in this vision without excluding anybody. Dear sisters and brothers, let us disregard what is negative and destructive.

Be calm and do not repay evil with evil. Participate with soul, heart and mind in what is good, because it is only that which will make the difference in our own lives and in the life of our church. Pray continuously and may God bless us with the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the peace from Heaven which surpasses all understanding.