Empower Minister Sally Bryant is currently in Malawi, where she was invited to speak at the Denominational General Conference. This is her seventh trip to Malawi.
She sent the letter below telling of her experiences and observations. The beauty of a ceremony to consecrate new bishops stands in sharp contrast to an ancient and horrific tradition of families hiring a “hyena” to rape their daughters as a initiation to sex once they reach puberty. Here is her letter, which serves as a reminder of why our work in Malawi is so essential:
Dear ones…
This morning I am pondering two distinct images. One is filled with rich, magnificent robes of white, purple and red as new bishops were consecrated. The archbishop from the African National Council of Churches (a consortium of independent denominations based in South Africa), presided over this lovely ceremony, resplendent in his snow white robes with scarlet top-stitching and vest. He was assisted by two bishops also gorgeously attired in white, purple and red. Their pectoral crosses gleamed under the spotlight carried around the church to keep it on the speaker.
The men who were to be consecrated sat in front, looking solemn, dressed in purple, with their badges of office (stole, ring, cross) ready to don, while their wives sat behind them. The archbishop spoke to them based on the book of Samuel, reminding them we may hold the office in the eyes of the world but without God’s anointing we are powerless. Each man read the oath of office, then the archbishop and two South African bishops laid hands on each, praying for them. The archbishop invited me to join them during this.
After this beautiful time, the bishop spoke directly to the women, telling them their husbands now belonged to God, and not to them. If they died, the council would bury them. If they were needed in South Africa for six months, they were not to complain as their husbands no longer belonged to them. I was very touched to be part of this ceremony and yet I also noticed how it elevated the men and left the women without protection or help. It seems to be such a false understanding of serving God, encouraging the idea that husbands are like Christ, and women just helpers supporting their husbands.
The other image is of the hyena (in this case, a man hired by the girl’s parents to initiate her into sex when she reaches puberty) sneaking into the girl’s room and raping her. (Read this story from the BBC for details.) The case of the HIV positive hyena is all over the news in Malawi. He was arrested not because of the practice but because he continued it knowing he was HIV positive and had been for several years.
A top law firm has offered to defend him in court, and his wife (both his first and second) claim that keeping him away from his work cause hardship to them.
One final image: Pastor Bright (who now is Bishop Bright) closed Saturday’s workshop by saying wives are like prophets. They speak truth the husband is blinded to and their voice should be listened to. It has a place in marriage, despite cultural understandings that the woman should be silent.
Thanks for your prayers!
Love to you,
Sally