Ungusobaba[you are our father]: The life of an Anglican bishop, Lawrence Bekisisa Zulu (1937-2013†)

 

 

Henry Mbaya

Department of Missiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa

 

 

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ABSTRACT

This study seeks to document the role that Lawrence Bekisisa Zulu played in the Anglican Church in South Africa (ACSA), particularly in the dioceses of Zululand and Swaziland, as a bishop. It records the life story of Zulu as a leader whose gifts as a pastor, teacher and priest enriched the lives of many clergy and lay people. That Zulu was entrusted with leadership positions in three dioceses, also suggests the strength of his moral authority and spirituality. The study demonstrates how the context of colonialism and apartheid shaped Zulu's approach to the issues of poverty and human dignity. Zulu's contribution is evident especially in the manner in which he as a community leader tried to enhance social development by fostering the spirit of self-reliance through his pastoral ministry, consequently striving to assert the dignity of humanity.

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Works consulted

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Mbaya, H. 2004. The making of an African Clergy in the Anglican Church in Malawi with special focus on the election of Bishops (1898-1996). PhD Thesis, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.         [ Links ]

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Archival sources:

Historical Papers (ACSA), William Cullen Library, Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg.         [ Links ]

Letter, dated 08/06/78, Zulu to LL Mthembu, AB 2546 Z 3, Letters, Archbishop of Cape Town, Zululand Diocese, 1950-1993.         [ Links ]

Letter, dated 04/08/ 88, DLM Dhladhla to Tutu, AB 2546 Z 3, Letters, Archbishop of Cape Town, Zululand Diocese, 1950-1993.         [ Links ]

Letter, dated 21/12/92, Tutu to Zulu, AB 2546 Z3, Archbishop of Cape Town, 1950-1993.         [ Links ]

Zulu's letter to all Bishops, dated 24/08/90, AB 2546 Z3, Archbishop of Cape Town, Zululand Diocese, 1950-1993.         [ Links ]

 

 

1 Depending on the stress of the intonation, the Zulu word Ungusobaba may translate as "He is our father", or "You are our father."