Diakonia hosts Good Friday service

DIAKONIA Council of Churches, which for more than four decades has worked towards a just society, presents its annual ecumenical Good Friday service at dawn on Friday 30 March starting at the Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC) before marching in silence through the streets of the city to the Durban City Hall.

The well-established tradition of the ecumenical Good Friday Service has become not only the flagship of Diakonia but also a major event in the Durban calendar, attended by thousands of people who gather together at the most auspicious time for Christians, to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and his death on Calvary.

Each year, the service highlights a particular aspect of national suffering or injustice. The service this year will focus on the theme ‘Do Not Fear, Stand Firm.’

“We will be reflecting on what it means to stand firm in our faith We need to stand firm, even if it means standing alone – standing in truth, in hope, in justice and in faith. The world, and, at times, our country, may seem like it is in turmoil with rampant prejudice, corruption, crime and financial strife and while most of us feel we should rather look away and focus on ourselves, families and work stresses, we must ask ourselves if we are doing what God wants us to do in our land,” said Nomabelu Mvambo-Dandala, executive director of Diakonia Council of Churches.

The sermon will be delivered by Rev Thulani Ndlazi, the Synod Secretary of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), a position he has held since 2013.

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Meditative singing will start at 5.15am, where after the first part of the service will take place at 6am.
The service will end at around 8.15am at the City Hall with the flowering of the Cross, as an act of commitment by all present to act for a just society and take up God’s call.

Limited parking and street parking is available at the DEC with additional off street parking around the City Hall. Transport back to the DEC from the City Hall will be arranged for the elderly and the infirm.
Entry to the Good Friday service is free, with a collection being taken up during the service.
Contact the Diakonia Council of Churches on 031 310 3500 or visit www.diakonia.org.za.

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