In divinity classes, we have been learning about church history and our history as a school more accurately. This past week, we explored Archbishop Clayton’s views on education and our duty to our country from his Diocesan synod charge from 1951. Two things stood out in his charge. The first was about our identity and the second was the approach to mission.

“I do not think that this country is intended to be merely a bit of Europe set in the African Continent. I think we are meant to be different because we are African. Our contribution to the world is not to be a contribution of second-hand European culture, but something fresh, original, characteristic.”

and

“We have a message for all sections of the population, for the three streams of culture* that will make up what we hope will be the South Africa of the future. We must not be content always to deliver that message in an English dress.”

Clayton’s comment that “we must not be content always to deliver that message in an English dress” is a challenge to all of us.

Our learning about Archbishop Clayton coincided with the discovery in our school archives of the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostle’s Creed written in Xitsonga. This discovery is a light in the darkness of history. It is a reminder that there were many people unnamed and unpraised who in little ways found a way to learn different languages and about other cultures.

*(The three streams of culture: two streams of European culture and African culture)

REVD RAKGADI KHOBO
CHAPLAIN