The Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA) yesterday made history by appointing the first female Anglican bishop on the continent.Excellent news! Women have a long way to go to reach equality in the churches throughout the world, but The Revd Ellinah Ntombi Wamukoya's election is a fine beginning in the Anglican church in Africa.
The Revd Ellinah Ntombi Wamukoya, 61, became the bishop-elect of Swaziland and the first woman bishop in any of the 12 Anglican Provinces in Africa. It is thought she is only the second bishop elected in a mainline church on the continent.
Her election comes as The Anglican Church of Southern Africa -- which also includes Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Lesotho -- commemorates 20 years since the ordination of women to the priesthood as presbyters and bishops. The 1992 synod was, coincidentally, held in Swaziland.
From Torey Lightcap at The Lead:
The Rev. Canon Petero A. N. Sabune, Africa Partnership officer for the Episcopal Church, writes:Amen!
What a glorious day of Joy and wonder for the people of Africa. I was at the Synod in Swaziland in 1992, when the vote was taken to ordain women. The Synod was chaired by The Most Reverend And Metropolitan, Archbishop Mphilo Desmond Tutu and there were tears of joy and thanksgiving. At the Synod last year, Thabo the current Primate lamented on how few dioceses have women priests.
This is the day the Lord has made let us Rejoice and be Glad ! Amen.
