Election for a Bishop Suffragan
Following the Archbishop's mandate to proceed with the election of a Bishop Suffragan for the Diocese of Mthatha, an Advisory Committee was set up, with membership as nominated by the Diocesan Council held in February 2014. The Committee called for nominations for candidates as well as names of lay representatives from all parishes and guilds to attend the Elective Assembly.
When nominations closed there were four nominees, but Ven. M. Beni withdrew. The remaining candidates were Ven. B.J. Mditshane, Rev. J.T. Ngombane and Ven. M. Pinyana.
The Elective Assembly was scheduled for 20th May 2014, and the day before the provincial team arrived to assist with and monitor the process. The head of the team was the President of the Assembly, the Right Revd. Dr. Johannes Seoka, Bishop of Pretoria. He was accompanied by the Very Revd. Michael Weeder, Dean of Cape Town, Rev. William Mostert, Provincial Executive Officer, and Mr. Mxolisi Tsika from the Diocese of Grahamstown.
The Elective Assembly opened with a service of Holy Eucharist led by Bishop Seoka, and then breakfast was served before the formal proceedings began. Following the relevant presentations the voting process got underway. Six ballots were held without reaching a decision, and it was decided to adjourn until the next day as by then it was getting late.
Following Holy Eucharist and breakfast the next day, the seventh ballot was held but still it was not possible to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority. The matter has been referred to the Synod of Bishops for a decision.
