It is exciting to hear that the Diocese of Lebombo has drawn up plans to establish a purpose-built Theological Training Seminary to train future Pastors and Church leaders. A 5 acre piece of land has been acquired at Majuva 25km south of Maputo. The whole complex will include classrooms, dormitories for 16 seminarians, teachers house, library, kitchen and chapel.
Theological Training is one of the top priorities for the Diocese of Lebombo. The Dioceses of Lebombo, Niassa & Angola do not have a portuguese-speaking Theological Training College which can serve the 500,000 Anglicans. At present, ordinands are trained at the College of the Transfiguration in South Africa. Unfortunately this is very expensive for the three dioceses to send students to get good training at this college and for many the language issue is a big barrier for them. There is also the complex issue of getting students permit from South Africa. All three dioceses are growing fast and the challenge is to provide more well-trained clergy.
The first phase will concentrate on dormitories for 16 seminarians (men and women) and a house for a full-time teacher.
The second phase will build a classroom, library, kitchen and a chapel.
The first phase will cost in the region of £50,000 to complete and MANNA is looking for funding to support this excellent initiative. If you can help, do email: [email protected].
ALMA, from the Diocese of London, who also partner with the dioceses are currently raising funds for this and other projects in their Lent Appeal and so have produced this excellent video where Bishop Carlos and others talk about the New Theological College.
