Anglican Church consecrates six

The Diocese of the Upper Shire of the Anglican Church Saturday last week consecrated three priests and three deacons at the Cathedral of Saint Peter & Paul in Mangochi.

The diocese also used the occasion to declared 2012 the ‘Year of Divine Favour’.

“2012 is the Year of Divine Favour’ where Christians needed to serve the Lord with dignity for them to be favoured,” said bishop of the diocese Brighton Malasa.

Malasa, who conducted the consecration service, told the six that it is wrong for them to refuse any assignment the church gives them.

Preaching during the consecration, Archbishop Albert Chama of the Central Africa Province challenged the six to serve and not expect to be served.

“Westerners serve one another with conditions but Africans serve without conditions and serving becomes part of our responsibility.

“God gave us different talents of serving one another and we have to use such talents to also serve Him. For you to discharge your duties well, you should rely on prayer and perseverance, but you need the support of the people you are going to serve,” said Chama.

Chama reminded the clergy that the people they will be serving are poor and, as such, they should not expect much from them.

“Priesthood and deaconate are not white collar and paid-up jobs. It is a vocation to be a priest, and you have to live by what people will you give.

“God will care for you and provide all what you require as long you remain obedient and faithful to him,” said Chama.