ANGLICANS in Zimbabwe celebrated their return to their churches
and cathedral in the eastern diocese of Manicaland after being
barred from places of worship for five years.
More than 3000 worshippers danced and sang their way into the
Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Mutare, and St Augustine's
Mission, Penhalonga, on 6 April, led by their Bishop, Dr Julius
Makoni.
The Revd Kate Wyles, whose father's family were missionaries in
Manicaland, represented the Bishop of Guildford at the weekend
celebrations, and the Bishop of Woolwich, Dr Michael Ipgrave, took
greetings from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The celebrations bring to an end a conflict that began when two
bishops in Manicaland and Harare attempted to take control of
diocesan properties, and congregations were forced to leave (News,
8 March). But the Supreme Court in Zimbabwe ruled in favour of the
Anglican Church, legally restoring its rightful ownership, and the
focus of the weekend's celebrations was on forgiveness.
Preaching at the cathedral, the Archbishop of the province of
Central Africa, the Rt Revd Albert Chama, said: "Go back to your
churches and keep your obedience to the Gospel by extending the
hand of love and forgiveness, that people may see the light of God
in you."