South African bishop joins ‘balls for poverty’ campaign

A South African bishop, who was instrumental in the struggle against apartheid, will be meeting local school children and supporting two of the county’s football teams, when he visits the Nottinghamshire before collecting an international peace award.

The Rt Revd Rubin Phillip, Bishop of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, worked with human rights campaigner and journalist Steve Biko at the height of the apartheid struggle in South Africa and was under house arrest for a period himself.

This week’s visit, builds on the link between the Diocese of Natal and the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham, as Bishop Rubin will meet up with churches and individuals who have been establishing links with their counterparts in South Africa.

Later this month Bishop Rubin will be collecting the Bremen Peace Prize* in the Category Public Engagement towards justice and peace. In the 1970s, the Bishop was put under house arrest for three years because of his protest and work against the apartheid regime in South Africa. Nowadays, he supports those who are still marginalized and are not benefiting from democracy in South Africa: displaced persons, victims of persecution, detainees. Bishop Rubin visits them in prisons and hospitals and offers legal support. In April 2008, when a wave of xenophobic violence unleashed in South Africa, the Bishop campaigned for the protection of refugees, which came mainly from Zimbabwe. Due to his strong efforts, these refugees received shelter and support from South African churches. Together with another peace activist, Bishop Rubin successfully prevented the shipment and delivery of weapons to Zimbabwe. Furthermore, education on HIV/AIDS is also of primary concern to him.
 
During his visit, Bishop Rubin will be a guest of the Bishop of Sherwood, the Rt Revd Tony Porter and will be visiting clergy, parishes and a school during the week. He will also be watching the skills of one of the county’s football teams when he attends the match of Nottingham Forest against Barnsley tonight and also Notts County against Crewe on Saturday

Bishop Tony said: “I know Bishop Rubin is a big football fan and will be looking forward to the world cup events in South Africa next year – but he is also passionate about justice for the marginalised. We hope this visit will help us develop our links even further.”

As part of the programme the Bishop will find out more about he Balls to Poverty project at Nottingham Forest. On Sunday 25th he will meet with people from around the diocese during an afternoon tea at St Patrick’s Church, Nuthall at 4.30pm, which will be followed by a service.

Photo opportunity:
There will be an opportunity for photos with Bishop Rubin at Lowdham Church of England Primary School, Main Street, Lowdham NG14 7BE on Thursday 22nd October at 1.30pm, when the bishop will spend a couple of hours in the school talking with children and joining in an assembly.

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