Through his tireless service and dedication, The Most Reverend Njongonkulu Winston Hugh Ndungane has been ‘an icon of hope and grace for so many of God’s children,’ and in turn was presented Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa from Episcopal Divinity School at their Commencement ceremony on May 17, 2007 at the First Church Congregational in Cambridge, Massachusetts, ‘in recognition of his life, witness, and ministry.’
The Most Revd Njongonkulu Winston Hugh Ndungane is Archbishop of Cape Town and Metropolitan of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa, which includes 23 dioceses with more than 900 parishes in South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Angola, and other nations. Archbishop Ndungane is known as an outspoken advocate against injustice, inadequate education, economic oppression, and violence both in southern Africa and across the world.
‘In the Primates Meetings your prophetic voice continually challenges those who would focus on inner ecclesial divisions to look beyond the church and discover a unity in service to God’s mission,’ said The Revd Karen Montagno in her citation honouring Archbishop Ndungane. ‘You have demonstrated that the voice of the southern hemisphere is not monolithic regarding the issues of inclusion that have excluded so many.
‘As Primate, you have been a passionate leader in the efforts in the Anglican Communion and other institutions to include women. You have been a relentless champion for a comprehensive response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Again leading the pack from the front, in order to combat the problem of stigma you volunteered to be tested publicly. You give witness to the compassion Christ calls us to show all people.’
Simultaneously, he has been strong voice from Africa as part of the Jubilee Movement of debt forgiveness. Moreover, as Archbishop, ‘you have effortlessly melded your on going concerns for HIV/AIDS with compelling advocacy of the Millennium Development Goals,’ said Montagno.
EDS conferred 21 degrees including nine Master of Divinity, one Master of Arts in Theological Studies, seven Doctor of Ministry, one Advanced Certificate of Theological Study, and three Certificates of Theological Study at their Commencement ceremony. EDS was pleased to also confer Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa on: The Revd Canon Gregory Cameron, Ms. Catherine Hoffman, and The Rt. Revd James Kelsey, who all have distinguished and faithful ministries in social justice. The Commencement address was delivered by Archbishop Ndungane.
About Episcopal Divinity School
Episcopal Divinity School is a respected center of study and spiritual formation for lay and ordained leaders with a strong commitment to justice, compassion, and reconciliation. EDS, formed in 1974 with the merger of Philadelphia Divinity School (founded in 1857) and Episcopal Theological School (founded in 1867), offers doctor of ministry and master’s degrees, as well as certificates in theological studies. Located on an eight acre campus just a few blocks from Harvard Yard, EDS is a member of the Boston Theological Institute, a consortium of nine eminent theological schools, seminaries, and departments of religion.
Item from: Episcopal Divinity School