MBABANE – A resolution to move a motion to prevent certain members, including Canon Advent Dlamini and anyone holding title under him, from attending, entering, or worshipping at All Saints Cathedral has been taken.
This is contained in a report detailing the proceedings of the 20th Session of the Diocesan Synod, held on October 23 and 25, 2005. This is happening at a time when the Anglican Diocese of Eswatini is anticipating the arrival of the Primate of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba. This publication has learnt that the primate is expected to arrive in the country next weekend, at a time when tensions within the Anglican Church remain high and became evident last week when some of the congregants at All Saints Cathedral in Mbabane walked out and held a separate service in the conference hall after Bishop Dalcy Dlamini entered with a group from Manzini.
The report from the session states that the Synod, which is the highest policy-making body, went into committee in accordance with Provincial Standing Rule 70, read together with Diocesan Regulation 3:20 (a–c), to deliberate on the All Saints Cathedral matter. It is noted that Canon Sabelo Mashwama was appointed Chairman of the committee and that extensive deliberations took place. A background to the matter is provided in the report, indicating that it dates back to 2023, when Bishop Dalcy was exercising her episcopal authority to change archdeacons and the dean. The report states that the bishop’s decision to move the dean from the Cathedral was met with resistance from the then Parish Council of the Cathedral (PCC) and others who argued that they still needed the dean to help the Cathedral complete certain work and projects.
“The bishop’s response, in a letter, considered the request and agreed to delay the transfer of the dean until further notice. The All Saints Cathedral Council and others did not agree to the ‘until further notice’ clause and submitted demands requesting that the dean be made a permanent rector at All Saints Cathedral,” reads part of the report.
According to the committee, although it is important to hear both sides of the story, the All Saints matter has dragged on for too long, causing pain and hurt to individuals and their families, as well as significant reputational harm to the image of the church. The report highlights that a task team was formed by the Diocesan Council, but when the members of the task team attempted to engage PCC members, including Canon Advent Dlamini, they were met with resistance. The PCC reportedly demanded a letter from the Diocesan Council as proof that the task team was mandated to reconcile them with the Diocese, despite the Cathedral having been represented in council when the task team was established.
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Right decision – Anglican Church Secretary
MBABANE – Reverend Dr Sicelo Dlamini, speaking on behalf of the Anglican Church, has stated that the Synod’s resolution to interdict some members of All Saints Cathedral is correct.
Responding to questions from this publication yesterday, Dlamini said the Synod would not allow disruptions intended to create chaos within the church. “And Synod was right with this resolution, as they (All Saints) are the ones who took the matter to court. Even today, the matters are still pending in court, so why are they now afraid of going to court? Is it because their applications are failing, or what?” he asked.
Elaborating, Dlamini said the Synod had also resolved to initiate a reconciliation process before resorting to court action, and that it was now puzzling that Bishop Dalcy Dlamini was being accused of rejecting the proposed exercise.
“They are the ones who instructed the people of God just last week to walk out on the bishop, who was only coming to worship with them. They went on to attack an Eswatini TV journalist. So, who is refusing reconciliation? It is them, not the Diocese,” he said.
Dlamini then provided what he described as a chronology of reconciliation attempts. He said the Diocese began by establishing a task team following the All Saints petition in April 2023, but the Cathedral leadership rejected the team and took the matter to court.
He said their lawyer, together with another from the church, arranged a reconciliation effort through a reverend from the Catholic Church and a representative from the Council of Churches, but the Cathedral leadership refused and instead approached the Safe and Inclusive Church Commission (SAIC).
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