The Vicar General writes ...
Dear Family of God,
Can you believe that it is Christmas time again? It seems just like yesterday we celebrated a new year and now again it is the time for giving and receiving gifts, the time for shopping, spending, cooking, eating—a very busy time of the year for all.
This is also the time when families and friends get together to reminisce and give thanks for each other. It is the time when in the Church we celebrate the birth of our Saviour and give thanks for the Christ child.
But for many, Christmas means nothing more than eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die. The reason we celebrate Christmas has been forgotten and we are encouraged to think of Christmas as just another holiday.
Isn’t it sad to see Christmas being spelt Xmas! This just perpetuates the notion that Christmas is of no more importance than the tinsel on the tree and the trinket under it.

The Dean writes ...
Dear Family of God,
No saying is truer than the one that states: the only thing you can be sure of, is change.
None of us likes change: it makes us feel unsettled, unsure and at times uncomfortable. With the retirement of Bishop Edward, we, the people of the Diocese of Port Elizabeth, are feeling a little unsettled, a little unsure and a little uncomfortable – what will the future hold? Who will be our new Bishop?

The Dean writes ...
Dear Diocesan Family of God,
Walking backwards into the future
There is a Māori proverb, Ka mua ka muri, which translated means "walking backwards into the future" and it is the idea that we should look to the past to inform the future.
As we, the Diocese of Port Elizabeth, will soon be taking our first steps into a new and unknown future, perhaps it is time for us to pause and look back over the past five years and give thanks to God for His guidance, providence and goodness during the time of Bishop Edward's episcopacy.

The Bishop writes ...
Dear Beloved Community,
As I prepare to step down from my role as your bishop, my heart is filled with deep gratitude and reflection. The words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 resonate profoundly with me at this moment: "I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
These words capture the essence of the journey we have shared together.

The Bishop writes ...
Dear Family of God,
As we celebrate Women’s Month, we take this opportunity to reflect on the invaluable contributions of women in our Church and our world.
Throughout history, women have played pivotal roles, often embodying immense faith, courage, and integrity. One such example is Deborah from the book of Judges. Deborah was a woman of profound faith who led the people of Israel during a tumultuous time. Despite the challenges she faced, she remained obedient to God’s call on her life, serving as a beacon of strength and leadership.

The Bishop writes ...
As we stand in the aftermath of our nation’s recent general election, a time of significant change and uncertainty, I feel compelled to address you, our beloved Diocese, with words of guidance, hope, and encouragement.
The election results have brought about a myriad of reactions, from joy and optimism to angst, fear, and even the propagation of conspiracy theories. In such times, our response as Christians is critical, not only for our spiritual well-being but also for the testimony we bear to the world.

The Bishop writes ...
As Christians, the question of whether to vote in elections, including the upcoming general election on May 29, 2024, involves a thoughtful reflection on our faith, our responsibilities, and our role in society. Voting is not only a civic duty but can also be seen as an expression of our commitment to the common good, to justice, and the values we hold dear as followers of Christ.

The Bishop writes:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am moved to share with you my deep and abiding belief in the Ascension of our Lord, Jesus Christ. This belief is not merely a matter of doctrine, but a profound cornerstone of our faith that illuminates the path of our Christian journey and the mission of our Church.

The Bishop writes ...
Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I would like to use this opportunity to write about a topic that has been a cornerstone of faith for many godly people over the years: God's amazing grace.
Grace, by definition, is the unearned and undeserved favour of God. It is central to the Christian understanding of salvation, emphasising that redemption is not attainable through human effort, but it is a gift from God.

The Bishop writes ...
Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ.
As we gather in our churches and homes to celebrate the glorious feast of Easter, we are reminded of the central truth of our faith: Christ is risen; He is risen indeed!
This profound mystery, which we proclaim with joy, is the cornerstone of our hope and the source of our continual renewal.
In this sacred season of Easter, we find ourselves in a world deeply scarred by the ravages of war and the persistent ache of poverty. In these trying times, the message of Easter speaks to us with even greater urgency and hope.

The Bishop writes ...
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I want to extend my heartfelt greetings to every one of you. The turning of the calendar is not just a change in time but an opportunity for new beginnings, renewed hope, and deep reflection.
The year that has passed – 2023 - brought with it many challenges, but it also revealed the incredible strength and resilience of our faith community. Together, we faced adversity with unwavering faith, and our unity as a diocese has been a source of inspiration for me and countless others.
The New Year is a time for resolutions and fresh starts. It is a time when we set goals, both personal and spiritual, and strive to be the best versions of ourselves. Let us resolve to deepen our relationship with God and with one another, to be more compassionate, and to seek opportunities for service and love.

The Bishop writes ... Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we gather once again to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, I want to extend my warmest and most heartfelt Christmas greetings to each and every one of you. This holy season is a time of joy, reflection, and deep spiritual significance.

Excerpts from the Communiqué from the Synod Of Bishops September 2023: In place of Bishop Eddie’s letter this month, iindaba publishes excerpts from the above Communiqué which will be of interest to the lay members of ACSA. When asked for comment on the Human Dignity issue Bishop Eddie told iindaba that the next Synod of Bishops (February 2024) will be a watershed one for the Province.

The Bishop writes ... The hands that would shape our souls Dear Family of God, On the 5th of October, each year, World Teachers’ Day is set aside to celebrate all teachers around the world. I always say to people that I endured school. But in hindsight, I see the God-ordained role each of the teachers played in my life; my parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, primary and high school, University and theological college. They were all change-agents used by God to guide me through life. Today, I understand that I only build on the foundation they gave me.

The Bishop writes ... Dear People of God, Psalm 136 is somewhat unique in that it uses the refrain, “For God’s mercy endure forever” This is not found anywhere else in the Scriptures. So, it begs a question of us, “Are we always grateful for what God does and has done?” ...

The BEO writes ... Dear Family of God, August is known as the Month of Compassion. We also pay tribute to the women of Mzantsi (South Africa)...

[+] Show older issues: 2008 to 2021

2021

December 2021 - Vol 32 No 11
(PDF - 1.8 MB)November 2021 - Vol 32 No 10
(PDF - 1.6 MB)October 2021 - Vol 32 No 9
(PDF - 1.9 MB)September 2021 - Vol 32 No 8
(PDF - 1.7 MB)August 2021 - Vol 32 No 7
(PDF - 1.9 MB)July 2021 - Vol 32 No 6
(PDF - 2.0 MB)June 2021 - Vol 32 No 5
(PDF - 1.5 MB)May 2021 - Vol 32 No 4
(PDF - 2.0 MB)Apri 2021 - Vol 32 No 3
(PDF - 1.9 MB)March 2021 - Vol 32 No 2
(PDF - 1.9 MB)January/February 2021 - Vol 32 No 1
(PDF - 2.1 MB)

2020

December 2020 - Vol 31 No 11
(PDF - 1.9 MB)November 2020 - Vol 31 No 10
(PDF - 1.3 MB)October 2020 - Vol 31 No 9
(PDF - 1.9 MB)September 2020 - Vol 31 No 8
(PDF - 1.5 MB)August 2020 - Vol 31 No 7
(PDF - 1.6 MB)July 2020 - Vol 31 No 6
(PDF - 1.7 MB)June 2020 - Vol 31 No 5
(PDF - 1.5 MB)May 2020 - Vol 31 No 4
(PDF - 1.5 MB)April 2020 - Vol 31 No 3
(PDF - 1.6 MB)March 2020 - Vol 31 No 2
(PDF - 1.4 MB)January/February 2020 - Vol 31 No 1
(PDF - 1.2 MB)

2019

December 2019 - Vol 30 No 11
(PDF - 2.0 MB)November 2019 - Vol 30 No 10
(PDF - 1.8 MB)October 2019 - Vol 30 No 9
(PDF - 1.6 MB)September 2019 - Vol 30 No 8
(PDF - 1.6 MB)August 2019 - Vol 30 No 7
(PDF - 1.6 MB)July 2019 - Vol 30 No 6
(PDF - 1.8 MB)June 2019 - Vol 30 No 5
(PDF - 2.0 MB)May 2019 - Vol 30 No 4
(PDF - 1.6 MB)April 2019 - Vol 30 No 3
(PDF - 2.7 MB)March 2019 - Vol 30 No 2
(PDF - 1.4 MB)January/February 2019 - Vol 30 No 1
(PDF - 1.8 MB)

2018

December 2018 - Vol 29 No 11
(PDF - 1.9 MB)November 2018 - Vol 29 No 10
(PDF - 1.9 MB)October 2018 - Vol 29 No 9
(PDF - 1.8 MB)September 2018 - Vol 29 No 8
(PDF - 2.2 MB)August 2018 - Vol 29 No 7
(PDF - 1.4 MB)July 2018 - Vol 29 No 6
(PDF - 1.6 MB)June 2018 - Vol 29 No 5
(PDF - 1.9 MB)May 2018 - Vol 29 No 4
(PDF - 2.1 MB)April 2018 - Vol 29 No 3
(PDF - 1.7 MB)March 2018 - Vol 29 No 2
(PDF - 1.4 MB)January/February 2018 - Vol 29 No 1
(PDF - 1.9 MB)

2017

December 2017 - Vol 28 No 11
(PDF - 2.2 MB)November 2017 - Vol 28 No 10
(PDF - 2.0 MB)October 2017 - Vol 28 No 9
(PDF - 1.7 MB)September 2017 - Vol 28 No 8
(PDF - 1.4 MB)August 2017 - Vol 28 No 7
(PDF - 1.6 MB)July 2017 - Vol 28 No 6
(PDF - 1.6 MB)June 2017 - Vol 28 No 5
(PDF - 1.9 MB)May 2017 - Vol 28 No 4
(PDF - 1.8 MB)April 2017 - Vol 28 No 3
(PDF - 1.4 MB)March 2017 - Vol 28 No 2
(PDF - 1.7 MB)January/February 2017 - Vol 28 No 1
(PDF - 1.8 MB)

2016

December 2016 - Vol 27 No 11
(PDF - 1.9 MB)November 2016 - Vol 27 No 10
(PDF - 2.8 MB)October 2016 - Vol 27 No 9
(PDF - 1.8 MB)September 2016 - Vol 27 No 8
(PDF - 1.7 MB)August 2016 - Vol 27 No 7
(PDF - 1.4 MB)July 2016 - Vol 27 No 6
(PDF - 1.9 MB)June 2016 - Vol 27 No 5
(PDF - 2.3 MB)May 2016 - Vol 27 No 4
(PDF - 2.3 MB)April 2016 - Vol 27 No 3
(PDF - 1.3 MB)March 2016 - Vol 27 No 2
(PDF - 1.4 MB)January/February 2016 - Vol 27 No 1
(PDF - 1.6 MB)

2015

December 2015 - Vol 26 No 11
(PDF - 2.2 MB)November 2015 - Vol 26 No 10
(PDF - 1.6 MB)October 2015 - Vol 26 No 9
(PDF - 2.9 MB)September 2015 - Vol 26 No 8
(PDF - 1.6 MB)August 2015 - Vol 26 No 7
(PDF - 1.2 MB)July 2015 - Vol 26 No 6
(PDF - 1.5 MB)June 2015 - Vol 26 No 5
(PDF - 2.0 MB)May 2015 - Vol 26 No 4
(PDF - 1.6 MB)April 2015 - Vol 26 No 3
(PDF - 1.6 MB)March 2015 - Vol 26 No 2
(PDF - 1.3 MB)January/February 2015 - Vol 26 No 1
(PDF - 753.6Kb)

2014

December 2014 - Vol 25 No 11
(PDF - 1.9 MB)December Special 2014 - Vol 25 No 11
(PDF - 2.1 MB)November 2014 - Vol 25 No 10
(PDF - 1.2 MB)October 2014 - Vol 25 No 9
(PDF - 1.4 MB)September 2014 - Vol 25 No 8
(PDF - 1.4 MB)August 2014 - Vol 25 No 7
(PDF - 1.6 MB)July 2014 - Vol 25 No 6
(PDF - 828.1Kb)June 2014 - Vol 25 No 5
(PDF - 1.8 MB)May 2014 - Vol 25 No 4
(PDF - 1.3 MB)April 2014 - Vol 25 No 3
(PDF - 1.6 MB)March 2014 - Vol 25 No 2
(PDF - 2.9 MB)January/February 2014 - Vol 25 No 1
(PDF - 1.5 MB)

2013

December 2013 - Vol 24 No 11
(PDF - 2.3 MB)Haven Insert - December 2013 - Vol 24 No 11
(PDF - 2.5 MB)November 2013 - Vol 24 No 10
(PDF - 1.6 MB)October 2013 - Vol 24 No 9
(PDF - 1.3 MB)September 2013 - Vol 24 No 8
(PDF - 1.7 MB)August 2013 - Vol 24 No 7
(PDF - 1.4 MB)July 2013 - Vol 24 No 6
(PDF - 1.7 MB)June 2013 - Vol 24 No 5
(PDF - 1.3 MB)May 2013 - Vol 24 No 4
(PDF - 1.7 MB)April 2013 - Vol 24 No 3
(PDF - 1.6 MB)March 2013 - Vol 24 No 2
(PDF - 1.7 MB)January/February 2013 - Vol 24 No 1
(PDF - 1.6 MB)

2012

December 2012 - Vol 23 No 11
(PDF - 1.7 MB)November 2012 - Vol 23 No 10
(PDF - 2.2 MB)October 2012 - Vol 23 No 9
(PDF - 1.6 MB)September 2012 - Vol 23 No 8
(PDF - 1.6 MB)August 2012 - Vol 23 No 7
(PDF - 1.5 MB)July 2012 - Vol 23 No 6
(PDF - 1.5 MB)June 2012 - Vol 23 No 5
(PDF - 1.3 MB)May 2012 - Vol 23 No 4
(PDF - 1.5 MB)April 2012 - Vol 23 No 3
(PDF - 2.6 MB)March 2012 - Vol 23 No 2
(PDF - 1.9 MB)January/February 2012 - Vol 23 No 1
(PDF - 2.1 MB)

2011

November/December 2011 - Vol 22 No 10
(PDF - 1.5 MB)October 2011 - Vol 22 No 9
(PDF - 2.1 MB)September 2011 - Vol 22 No 8
(PDF - 1.8 MB)August 2011 - Vol 22 No 7
(PDF - 1.6 MB)July 2011 - Vol 22 No 6
(PDF - 1.5 MB)June 2011 - Vol 22 No 5
(PDF - 2.0 MB)May 2011 - Vol 22 No 4
(PDF - 1.6 MB)April 2011 - Vol 22 No 3
(PDF - 1.8 MB)March 2011 - Vol 22 No 2
(PDF - 1.3 MB)January/February 2011 - Vol 22 No 1
(PDF - 1.3 MB)

2010

December 2010 - Vol 21 No 10
(PDF - 1.1 MB)October 2010 - Vol 21 No 9
(PDF - 1.2 MB)September 2010 - Vol 21 No 8
(PDF - 1.4 MB)August 2010 - Vol 21 No 7
(PDF - 1.5 MB)July 2010 - Vol 21 No 6
(PDF - 2.1 MB)June 2010 - Vol 21 No 5
(PDF - 882.7Kb)May 2010 - Vol 21 No 4
(PDF - 368.1Kb)April 2010 - Vol 21 No 3
(PDF - 2.6 MB)March 2010 - Vol 21 No 2
(PDF - 1.6 MB)January/February 2010 - Vol 21 No 1
(PDF - 1.8 MB)

2009

December 2009 - Vol 20 No 10
(PDF - 2.5 MB)November 2009 - Vol 20 No 9
(PDF - 468.3Kb)October 2009 - Vol 20 No 8
(PDF - 399.4Kb)September 2009 - Vol 20 No 7
(PDF - 367.8Kb)July/August 2009 - Vol 20 No 6
(PDF - 1,010.0Kb)June 2009 - Vol 20 No 5
(PDF - 461.9Kb)May 2009 - Vol 20 No 4
(PDF - 422.2Kb)April 2009 - Vol 20 No 3
(PDF - 467.2Kb)March 2009 - Vol 20 No 2
(PDF - 377.8Kb)January/February 2009 - Vol 20 No 1
(PDF - 422.5Kb)January/February XTRA 2009 - Vol 20 No 1
(PDF - 420.4Kb)

2008

December 2008 - Vol 19 No 11
(PDF - 2.5 MB)November 2008 - Vol 19 No 10
(PDF - 2.0 MB)October 2008 - Vol 19 No 9
(PDF - 1.4 MB)September 2008 - Vol 19 No 8
(PDF - 1.7 MB)August 2008 - Vol 19 No 7
(PDF - 1.6 MB)July 2008 - Vol 19 No 6
(PDF - 1.8 MB)June 2008 - Vol 19 No 5
(PDF - 1.1 MB)May 2008 - Vol 19 No 4
(PDF - 1.5 MB)April 2008 - Vol 19 No 3
(PDF - 875.4Kb)March 2008 - Vol 19 No 2
(PDF - 1.3 MB)January/February 2008 - Vol 19 No 1
(PDF - 2.0 MB)