17 Apr 2017

Mmathethe - Bishops are ordained to be shepherds of Christ’s flock, guardians of the faith and leaders of people in missions, councillor for Mmathethe, Mr Samuel Morolong has said.

Officiating at the ordination of bishop and two vice bishops of Holy Sarda Apostolic Church in Mmathethe on Saturday, Mr Morolong called on religious leaders to keep watch over the whole flock, which they had been apppointed to look after.

Mr Robert Dimengo was ordained Bishop, while Mr Phuthego Motsube and Thabo Kgampe vice bishops.

Mr Morolong advised the new leaders to recruit more members to the church.

“Reach out those who are lost and lead them home for rejoicing and declare pardon and forgiveness of sins to those who turn to Christ,” he said.

He applauded Archbishop Daniel Makgalane’s dedication to the church saying his service had not only developed the church but also played a pivotal role in the country’s development.

Mr Morolong said Archbishop Makgalane’s dedication to serving God had been an inspiration to many people both in and outside the church.

“This is a great man whose calling is signified by discipline, dedication, devotion and determination,” he said, adding that the growth and achievement of the church and his own achievement could not be separated.

Therefore, he said it was fit for the church to have found it necessary to celebrate the legend as a dedicated servant of the Lord and the people of Botswana.

Ordaining Bishop Dimengo and his vice bishops, Motsube and Kgampe,  Archbishop Mokgalane encouraged them to have the Shepherd’s love and be merciful, but with a little firmness for discipline.

Archbishop Makgalane said they should exercise equality and fairness among church members.

He said they must also desist from fuelling factionalism in the church as church members would perish.

Further, he encouraged them to work together peacefully and digilently.

The ordained pastors promised to work together with members of the church and that they would never quit along the way or frustrate followers.

Holy Sarda Church was formed in 1963 and registered with the registrar of societies in 1973.

It has members and churches in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana with its headquarters at Mmathethe. BOPA