What is church? “A meeting of all races.”

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FAITH

What is church? “A meeting of all races.”


At the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George, parishioners hear their own voices.

Its seven reverends will use the language of their collective congregation at some point in their service.

“It’s a meeting of all the races,” church member June Walters said.

“My whole life is based on faith.”

Walters was born in Makhanda, and her father was involved in the church. Her family left when she was 4 years old and she returned when she was 23.

“I love this church. It feels like coming back home,” Walters said. “My whole life is based on faith.”

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The inside of Siyanda Mphelo's home in Extension 6 in Makhanda, South Africa.

The church is a dominating structure at the heart of downtown Makhanda. Its history is well-displayed through plaques, engravings and photographs, while its congregation and collection of reverends reflect the reach of the modern Anglican church.

“The church itself is in the center of the city,” said the Rev. Monwabisi Peter, who is in his fourth year here. The multicultural service is an “incorporation of all the languages of all the people,” he said. “We put our own ethics into the service.”

“It’s about being home. We welcome you, we follow up on you, we take interest in you."

For the 8:30 a.m. mass on a day in late December, around 50 people attended. It was the only mass of the day because December is low season: Many people leave town on vacation.

At the time of the blessing during the service, everyone joined hands regardless of family, spilling into the middle aisle. A feeling of community and acceptance radiated from the display.

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The inside of Siyanda Mphelo's home in Extension 6 in Makhanda, South Africa.

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The inside of Siyanda Mphelo's home in Extension 6 in Makhanda, South Africa.

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The inside of Siyanda Mphelo's home in Extension 6 in Makhanda, South Africa.

“It’s about being home. We welcome you, we follow up on you, we take interest in you. Often, we will have tea where we all get to know you,” Peter said.

As the parishioners left the service, the several reverends lined up near the door. Each one interacted with every single person who left, shaking hands, hugging or having a conversation. It was clear they knew their parish and every person in it.

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The inside of Siyanda Mphelo's home in Extension 6 in Makhanda, South Africa.

“It’s a calling,” Peter said. “He calls and I was to respond and be of service to Him. He calls, we respond.”