† IN REMEMBRANCE †
SAMSON KHUMALO

The Reverend Samson Khumalo

Whereas the Reverend Samson Khumalo was in residence at, and a frequent visitor to, the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church in the early 1980s; and

Whereas "Sam" was deeply admired by members of the congregation; and

Whereas we also admired Sam's roles as KwaZulu-Natal Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Africa, Patron of Diakonia, and Member of the Executive of Diakonia Council of Churches in Durbin; and

Whereas Sam brought home to us the role which the church in America could play in bringing justice to the people of South Africa, including the movement for economic sanctions to end apartheid; and

Whereas Sam's peace-loving and humble manner allowed our congregation to see beyond the news headlines and glimpse the long-suffering humanity of the people of Kwa-Zulu Natal; and

Whereas, at great personal peril, during times of violence which tore apart the townships surrounding his church, he opened the church to provide shelter to refugees; and

Whereas Sam ministered to Takoma Park by inspiring us to be involved in the social struggles of our own community; and

Whereas his leadership with the Diakonia Council of Churches has led to an ongoing relationship between Takoma Park Presbyterian Church and Diakonia; and

Whereas Sam bore witness throughout his life to the Good News of Jesus Christ;

Therefore, Be it hereby resolved the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church rejoices in the life and ministry of Samson Khumalo, remembers with deep affection his time with us and his influential witness here, and rededicates itself to the justice and peace commitments he so ably and courageously demonstrated in his life's work and inspired in us; and

Be it hereby further resolved that on November 5, 2000, as part of its celebration of the first All Saints Day since Sam's death a year ago, the congregation at Takoma Park has gathered to make its rejoicing, remembrance, and rededication public and to send our greetings and this resolution to MaHlophe Khumalo and all of Sam's family and friends in South Africa.

( Adopted by the Session, and read during worship -- along with remembrances of Rev. Khumalo from the Rev. George Taylor and a report from Susan Huffman on her visit to Diakonia -- as part of our celebration of the lives of the saints.
All Saints Day, November 5, 2000. )

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