What would you like to know about St. Joan of Arc? Do you have a story about our parish or of general interest that you think others would like to hear? For story ideas, contact Jeff Rholl, jeff@stjoan.com.

During the first two weeks of November more than a couple dozen St. Joan of Arc parishioners had seen Reverend Spiwo Xapile, his wife Zethu, and his work partner Professor Jan duToit around town this past ten days. They had been at Pat Murphy’s house for brunch; they were at suppers with Cyril and Pam Paul’s; and again at Gene and Mary Lou Ott’s. Three hours after getting off a plane from London, they even showed up for the St. Joan’s Friday night Cabaret, They came to Minnesota to meet with all the people who have traveled to South Africa. Almost half of the travelers to the townships outside of Cape Town, have come from the pews(so to speak) of St. Joan of Arc. The reason for the extended visit was to meet with a wide variety of potential supporters to their cause. Zethu, a trained nurse, who runs the Brown’s Farm Clinic in Guguletu spent a lot of time talking to doctors, nursing groups, and visiting community clinics. Spiwo met with several faith-based groups and talked to reporters, peace activists, ministers, and community organizers, all in the interest of getting help for his people.

Transporting two people around town was a logistical challenge. Acting as driver gave me the opportunity of having wonderful conversations about things South African and things American. Driving two South African’s around gave a whole new meaning to the term “car talk.’ I discovered that Reverend Spiwo tended to deliver his better mini-sermons in the morning and on his way to an appointment. Our talks weren’t limited to the car because they also were staying with my wife and I, so there were other opportunities at breakfast or supper to continue this eleven-day dialogue. One afternoon Spiwo and I were alone in the living room and the November sun was low in the west. The quiet and the fading light seem to invite serious conversation and so we sat for over an hour to talk of many things. If I can, I would like to share parts of what was said.

"In answer to the question of what I really want from my American friends, I would say I need two things. One is that I really want to be free to say what I think and feel . The second wish is that I have time to teach you to see the world through my eyes.” - The Reverend Spiwo Xapile

A few people have been confused by the fact that Catholics and others have rallied to the plight of this Presbyterian minister. Once anyone has witnessed first hand the needs of South Africa’s Black population, religious and race differences quickly lose their significance. The diverse continental, racial, and religious differences only increase the opportunities for wonderful conversations. Reverend Spiwo Xapile has said on more than one occasion that we live in such times that we cannot afford the luxury of dwelling on what makes us different. If we are to survive, we must find ways of getting along and working together. He frequently commented on observing our fierce independence as Americans and our strong need for individuality. His world, he said was far more communal. In South Africa, if we are to save people, if we are to find a way out of our poverty, we much get the churches to work together. Well, that started a long conversation on churches and various approaches to spirituality.

The Reverends Spiwo and Cassidy

Spiwo said that when he was younger, his religion was what one might say “vertical and inward.” It was a religion measured by feelings and about himself. Some religions are like that. It is all about how one feels about God and self. However, as one starts to grow in the spirit, there are two developments. We become aware that our faith cannot be driven by feelings alone but also our beliefs come into play. We also come to the realization that our search for the divine is made possible by seeing God or The God Spirit in others. As we become aware of the other person, our spiritual life becomes more horizontal or outward. The gospels speak about this very simply “...You must love God with your whole heart and soul and love your neighbor as yourself.” Spiritual growth comes when one can balance the vertical and horizontal.

Spiwo continued to talk. “We South Africans, with all our problems, have two advantages that help us in our spiritual journey. The Xhosa language does not have any pronouns for ‘he’ and ‘she,’ so we cannot talk about God as he or she and God to us is not parental or a mother or father, god is a spiritual force that permeates all aspects of our life. The language forces us to speak of God in less limiting terms. You have traveled enough with us to notice how much the concept of Spirit comes into our conversation and expression. We can choose to embrace the spirit or we can run from the spirit. I have also noticed that in America you value your independence of one another, and that may be good, but we South Africans are more communal or more closely bonded together. The other aspect of our religious experience is that we are not trained or encouraged or even allowed to be so fiercely independent. In the marketplace that has hurt us, but we live in a far more supportive way of one another. Apartheid and the gold and diamond mines did great damage to our family life, but if you read the writings of Nelson Mandela and his years of prison experience, he never allowed them to separate him from his fellow prisoners. They were brothers, there was to be no preferential treatment. In the end Mandela’s sense of oneness and community and brotherhood won out.”

Spiwo, the author, and Jan

Lastly as the room was losing the sunset, I asked Spiwo what he wanted most from his American friends. His answer was something to think about. He looked at me and said “ I need two things from you. The ability to freely say what I think and feel and secondly, I would like the time to teach you to see the world through my eyes. You have all been very generous to Jan, Zethu and myself. You have been a great help to the people of Guguletu. But when you come to visit us, you see us through your eyes, your needs. You first came to the townships because of the AIDS pandemic but you have been there several times and you know that AIDS is not our only problem. Jan and I and Zethu and the others know we are a people in need of many things. We need to build a better medical service for our people. We need decent schooling. We are in need of many skills and we need to learn how to be self-reliant and to be trained in leadership. We have a great deal of work to do.”

"You are puzzled by my saying that I want you to see things through my eyes? Let me explain. When Zethu or Jan or I travel, we learn a great deal but when we return, those around us have not seen or learned what we have. They need to also to have their view of life expanded so they can help us in the rebuilding. If we can send the doctors to Minnesota for a visit and training, that is a start. Maybe more South Africans can visit and learn.”

Chuck MacDonald and his wife Beth are parishioners of St. Joan of Arc. Chuck serves on the Board of Open Arms of MN, an AIDS food ministry. He is a new member of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Council. He is actively involved with efforts to help victims of AIDS in South Africa. Chuck can be reached at chuckmacdonald@mediaone.net.

During the visit, there was more than one occasion to hear Spiwo speak or preach. Sometimes he used the words of the gospel to convey his message, but he was equally comfortable in delivering his message in secular terms. The theme was clear, it spoke the truth of a great black people burdened with 300 years of oppression. Their survival depends on their ability to partner with blacks and whites that will work with them. Spiwo is a very busy man in search of communities of others who will allow him to say what he feels and to take the time to learn to see the world through his eyes.

"After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.” - Nelson Mandela