INTERNATIONAL DIACONATE CENTRE: SOUTHERN AFRICA REGION
REPORT TO THE IDC: VIENNA 2009
Introduction
The IDCSAR was established in April 2008 on the occasion of the IDC International Conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa. An interim board was put in place initially consisting of Bishop Philipp Pöllitzer, President (Namibia); Deacon Greg Garnie, Coordinating Secretary (Zimbabwe / South Africa); members, Deacons Charles Dube (Zimbabwe) & Tony de Freitas (Durban).
Board Expansion
Subsequent to the conference and as per the mandate, four principal Deacons representing their specific territories were invited onto the interim board. They are: Deacons Wally Adams (Johannesburg), Eugene Tito (Capetown), Joseph Matsheng (Botswana) & Franziskus Ananias (Namibia).
Purpose of the IDCSAR
The concept of a regional networking group for Southern Africa was articulated in Germany in 2004 during an international diaconate conference before it became a reality in 2008 as already mentioned. Two key reasons for its establishment have been expressed:
- The diaconate in Southern Africa consists of groupings of deacons in their various dioceses with little or no interaction at national, regional or international levels. In the main, deacons in our region have been isolated from the universal diaconate experience and the subsequent learning curve especially concerning the Theology and identity of the Deacon as developed since Vatican II. The image of an island comes to mind in this regard.
- There are variations, from one diocese to the next, in the formation process and formation programs for applicants, aspirants and candidates to the Order of Permanent Deacon. Questions have arisen as to the scope, content, quantity and quality of academic, pastoral and spiritual formation that is deemed necessary for deacons to affectively fulfill their ministry and develop a strong sense of identity, distinct from the presbyterate and lay ministries. There also arises the question concerning tangible recognition of achievements in the three areas mentioned, which again vary from diocese to diocese. On one hand; certificates, diplomas and degrees are awarded via institutions such as T.E.E.C. and on the other; no formal recognition outside of ordination.
St. Augustine College
The first point of business for the IDCSAR was to follow-up on the very fruitful discussions that took place during the Johannesburg conference between St. Augustine College, the IDC and the newly formed IDCSAR. A letter was submitted to the College formally requesting for the establishment of an Institute for the Permanent Diaconate to offer formation and on-going formation programs on a regional level. Subsequent to that request the College, through electronic mail and two meetings, affirmed their desire to see this shared vision come to fruition by 2010. It is envisaged that the formation and on-going formation programs will be run on an education-by-extension basis, with home based tutorials given several times a year. The College may pool the input and resources of several Catholic institutions to realize this goal e.g. the Jesuit institute, Lumco and the Catholic Bible society in Johannesburg as well as the Ogilvie institute in Aberdeen, Scotland.
IDCSAR Constitution
The second point of business was the establishment of a constitution which would give credibility, recognition & purpose to this diaconate association. Hopefully we will be able to move ahead with the planned objectives of the IDCSAR after this conference in the form we will have determined.
Networking
A significant milestone of the IDCSAR has been the establishment of a working network of representative deacons spanning the Southern African region. Communications have not been ideal but there has been a vast improvement in the past few months especially with Botswana and Namibia. The goal of a fraternal network bringing together deacons from the region with a shared vision for the Permanent Diaconate in the 21st Century, is well and truly within reach. Yet to be established is a network that includes other IMBISA territories in our region e.g. Angola, Lesotho & Swaziland.
Resources
Thus far the IDCSAR has not dealt with the aspect of resources, with the exception of funding pertaining to this conference. The term resource refers in the main to finance, administration & personnel. The attendance to IDCSAR business has thus far been carried out on a voluntary, ad hoc basis. Going forward this will have to be addressed to ensure IDCSAR plans and objectives are always in focus and being worked on and towards with adequate resources on a regular basis. To this end St. Augustine College has offered the IDCSAR an office on the campus. This is a positive start and we are truly grateful for this generous offer and will hopefully take it up in the near future.
Diaconate Database
Turning to the Diaconate database, we have yet to establish this platform from which all deacons in the region can be communicated with. This database coupled with a user friendly website is a necessary tool in building a strong diaconate fraternity from where a cross pollination of ideas, experiences, knowledge and general information can enrich the diaconal ministry and especially the diaconal identity.
Conclusion
In conclusion I wish to thank Bishop Pöllitzer & my fellow board members for the spirit of cooperation in the work we have undertaken in the past year. A special thanks to Fr. Christoph for his mentorship. We are ever indebted & grateful for the generosity of the IDC who have made it possible for us to gather in this beautiful country. Finally, with a very humble & grateful heart we thank our Lord Jesus. His grace is always sufficient to carry out His work.
Prepared by:
Dcn. Greg Garnie
Co-ordinating Secretary
IDCSAR
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