Former Missionary Assisting Presiding Bishop
Diocesan Press Service. September 13, 1974 [74234]
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- The Rev. Jackson C. Biggers, until recently a missionary in the Diocese of Lake Malawi in Central Airica, is temporarily assisting Presiding Bishop John M. Allin of the Episcopal Church in an administrative and pastoral capacity.
A native of Mississippi, Fr. Biggers, 37, is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and received his B.D. degree from the University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn.
He began his work in Malawi in 1965, first as rector of St. Peter's Church, Lilongwe, and then as priest-in-charge of Kasamba Parish, Nkhotakota. While in the latter parish, he was also administrative chaplain to the Rt. Rev. Josiah Mtekateka, Bishop of the Diocese of Lake Malawi.
Fr. Biggers returned to the U.S. in 1970 and became rector of Redeemer Church, Biloxi, Miss., where he served 1970-71.
He was called back to Malawi in 1972 after his successor, Fr. Humphrey Taylor of the Diocese of Lincoln, Church of England, was given a few days notice by the Malawi government to leave the country. Fr. Biggers became rector and archdeacon of Lilongwe, which had recently become the capital of Malawi. He was the only non-Malawian priest serving in the diocese.
On July 18, 1974, Fr. Biggers received a letter from the Department of Immigration of Malawi, saying that his work permit was being revoked and that he should plan to be out of Malawi by August 1. No reason for this action was given by the government. Work permits are issued for two years at a time, and Fr. Biggers' work permit had been approved and renewed only last May.
Upon leaving Malawi, Fr. Biggers commented on the good relations between the Diocese of Lake Malawi and the American Episcopal Church. He said that he hopes the action of revoking his work permit will not injure that relationship or prevent his possible return to Malawi at some future date.