A resolution adopted by the Synod of the Diocese of Cape Town on July 11, 2026:

CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY, REPENTANCE AND THE CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY

Whereas:

Archbishop Thabo has reminded us in his Charge, through the words of Mordecai to Esther, “Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14), a summons to courage, moral agency, and costly action in the face of injustice;

The book of Esther also records how Haman was inciting hatred, “There is a certain people dispersed among the people…their customs are different… it is not in the king’s interest to tolerate them”;

And whereas:

South Africa is facing a crisis of crime, unemployment, and a failure in service delivery, and the justified anger over this is being deliberately blamed on foreign migrants by populist movements, and foreign nationals are being scapegoated, unleashing hate speech, vigilantism, violent attacks and looting;

South Africa faces real and complex immigration challenges which must be addressed lawfully, justly, and within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa;

And whereas:

The Anglican Church of Southern Africa is enriched by the diversity of peoples, languages and cultures represented within its worshipping communities, reflecting God’s vision of every tribe, language, people and nation gathered before the throne (Revelation 7:9);

Many members of our Diocese who are from elsewhere in Africa worship faithfully in our parishes, are valued members of the Body of Christ;

Many congregations also offer hospitality to churches in their buildings and halls;

And whereas:

Recent acts of xenophobic violence in South Africa have resulted in the intimidation, displacement, and suffering of many foreign nationals, forcing vulnerable families, including women, children, and infants, to flee their homes and endure exposure to the harsh winter conditions while awaiting humanitarian assistance. Within our own Diocese families with small children were forced to sleep in freezing winter conditions for many nights both in District Six and later in Epping. The South African Human Rights Commission has expressed grave concern over growing vigilantism and the failure to provide humanitarian aid for those affected;

And recognising:

1. The ongoing process of the Bishops of the Western Cape in conversation with Malawian congregations; and
2. The generous humanitarian aid given from members of the Diocese.

This Synod:

1. Expresses its deep sorrow and heartfelt apology to our brothers and sisters from across the African continent who have experienced fear, rejection, or hostility within our country, affirming that they are valued members of Christ’s Body and cherished members of our diocesan family;

Believing we should not “remain silent at this time” (Esther 4:14), we also apologise for our failure to speak out against hate speech and xenophobia;

Respectfully requests the Archbishop to write an open letter on behalf of the Diocese to all affected countries and in particular to the bishops of Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe;

2. Reaffirms that the diversity of peoples, languages, cultures, and nations within our Diocese is not a problem to be managed but a gift from God to be celebrated, nurtured, and protected. We recognise that there are not only three languages spoken in our Diocese. We call for a “listening forum” to be set up to listen to members of our congregations and those using our halls, to hear from them how the church can best respond, and that these findings should be taken to Clergy Conference in October;

3. Calls upon all Anglicans to reject xenophobia, prejudice, vigilantism, and every form of discrimination, and instead become agents of reconciliation, peace, justice, and compassionate service within our communities;

4. Resolves to set up “courageous conversation” with leaders of the March and March, Operation Dudula-Western Cape, and others to identify the root causes and solutions;

5. In partnership with the WC-SACC, calls upon the City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government of the Western Cape to fulfill their constitutional obligation to uphold the rule of law, in accordance with the Constitution and the principles affirmed by the South African Human Rights Commission and to provide the necessary humanitarian aid in cases of all disasters;

6. Commit ourselves to prayer, advocacy, and practical support for all those affected by xenophobic violence, especially those displaced from their homes and those working to provide humanitarian relief, believing that for such a time as this God calls the Church to bear witness to the reconciling and transforming love of Jesus Christ.

7. Respectfully requests that the outcome of this resolution be drafted and circulated in a public statement.