BAME Anglican

Sojourner Truth (born Isabella ("Belle") Baumfree;    1797 – November 26, 1883)  was an African-American abolitionist and women's rights activist. ‘Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.  If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them’. Sojourner Truth, from Ain’t I a woman

Our friends at Disability and Jesus are hosting a wonderful inclusive and accessible Christmas service in Newcastle. Please attend the event and share this information widely. 

3 rd November is the feast of St Martin de Porres of Peru, whose patronage extends to many causes, people and groups. Born in 1579, he died in 1639 at the age of 59. His racial and colonial heritage is of great importance, born to Ana Velázquez, a freed slave from Panama, his father was a nobleman, Don Juan de Porres. An illegitimate child born to a black woman Martin faced racism from an early age. Desiring to enter religious life and dedicate his life to God was not an easy task for him. Peruvian law of that time barred descendants of Africans and Native Americans from becoming full members of a reli gious order. Martin joined as a volunteer and took on menial tasks at the age of 15. Prior Juan de Lorenzana, decided to ignore the law and permitted Martin to take his vows and a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. This decision was not accepted by all at the order, some called Martin a ‘mulatto dog’ while others mocked him for being a illegitimate child wh

Name – Janani Jakaliya Luwum Born – 1922 Died – 17 th February 1977 (aged 55) Veneration – Anglican Communion Feast – 17 th February Luwum was born in the village of Mucwini, Uganda. Converting to Christianity in 1948, he went to Buwalasi Theological College . He was ordained a deacon in 1953, and the following year he was ordained a priest. In 1969 he was consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda. After five years he was appointed Archbishop of the Metropolitan Province of Uganda, Rwanda , Burundi , and Boga (in Zaire ), becoming the second African to hold this position. Archbishop Luwum was a leading voice of criticism the Idi Amin regime that assumed power in 1971. He delivered a note of protest to dictator Idi Amin against the policies of arbitrary killings and unexplained disappearances. Shortly afterwards the archbishop and other leading churchmen were accused of treason . On 16th February 1977, Luwum was arrested with tw

Name – St Manche Masemola Born – 1913 Died - 1928 (aged 14–15) Veneration – Anglican Communion Feast – 4 th February Saint Manche Masemola, was born into the Pedi tribe, in the Transvaal. She worked on the land with her family. In 1919 Fr Augustine Moeka of the Anglican Community of the Resurrection had established a mission, which drew the interest of her and her cousin Lucia. Wanting to hear more she began to attending classes twice a week. Her parents feared that she would leave them, or refuse to marry, tried to    discourage her. Manche remained defiant, she was beaten severely for this. Fearing for her life she confided in her cousins. She was killed in 1928. In 1969 her mother was baptised into the Anglican Church. In 1975 the name of Manche Masemola was added to the calendar of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa. Her statue stands over the west entrance to Westminster Abbey.