The Kay Baron Address was presented by Dr. Brigalia Bam. She challenged the AWF to lobby for a voice both at Diocesan and Provincial level, intimating that the time had come for Church Women's Organisations to strive towards attaining a voice in Parliament so that women are able to fight for women's rights. She encouraged South African women to take their cue from Australian and Korean women who established their own Universities, German women who started Industrial Schools and the women of India who established the Fellowship of the lost coin. Dioceses were urged to embark on sustainable social development projects within their communities. These projects could then be entered for the Lidonga Awards which carries a cash incentive. The Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman, George, Mthatha and Grahamstown won the top four prizes of R7500 each. In addition Ms Connie Nkosi also pledged another R50 000 payable by November 2008 - a much needed boost for AWF coffers. people's lives. Gender based violence, a topic close to many women's hearts, also came under discussion. Mrs. Nhlanhla Jordan from the Women's Development Foundation emphasised the importance of reporting Gender Based Violence and charging Government when Gender Based Violence atrocities are committed. Mjikelo, a highly entertaining social event raised over R40 000 within only two hours. The host Diocese were the winners having raised R5 000. Mrs. Ray Overmeyer from the Diocese of Cape Town was re elected President for the next two years until the next Provincial Council Meeting in 2010 which will take place in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.
Other Stories in this edition:
Growing the Church
Provincial and Diocesan Launch Conferences. An exciting new initiative was formally launched provincially in Johannesburg, and in each Diocese in September.
Churches call for political maturity
The Diakonia Council of Churches and its member churches have expressed deep concern over the increasing levels of intolerance displayed by supporters of various political parties and by the leadership of some political organisations.
The Zimbabwe Political Deal
Extracts from a commentary on progress presented by Bishop Rubin, Co Chairperson Solidarity Peace Trust, at the Centre for Civil Society, University of KwaZulu-Natal in October
2009 Vestry Meetings
Bishop Rubin has urged parishes to begin preparing immediately for their next Annual Vestry Meeting which according to the Canons of the Diocese must be held not later in the year than the 15th March. They have been asked to take note of Canon 27 (of Vestries) and Act 23 of the Acts of the Diocese of Natal, and the functions of Parish Councils etc which are laid out in Canons 28, 29 and 30 and Act 24.
1 Big Favour - 34 Very Happy Ladies
East Coast Radio is celebrating the Christmas Season by granting 12 Big Favours. The radio station has always taken their social responsibility seriously and this year Emma Barter Home, situated in Pietermaritzburg, was one of their very lucky recipients.
Diocesan Environment Committee
Looking back over the year: As 2008 draws to a close I mention some of the activities that the Diocesan Environment Committee has been engaged in.
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