Episcopal Press and News

African Layman Speaks Across U.S.; Reacts Warmly to His Experiences

Diocesan Press Service. April 7, 1965 [XXXI-2]

Margaret R. Gumm

After three months and thousands of miles, Maxwell Zingani awaited the plane that would return him to his home and family.

Animation spread from the face to the hands of the young layman from Malawi as he told of his speaking tour. This tour took him from California to Alaska and from New York to Texas. "I feel that my tour was successful. The Episcopal Church in this country is coming to learn that the Church throughout the world is one. I, also am coming to learn this. Americans are ready to learn, ready to render help if necessary." He felt their friendliness and was never hesitant to express himself.

Asked what such a tour accomplished, the slender African responded: "It helps all of us realize that we are sons and daughters of God, brothers one of another." He particularly valued the time he had been able to spend in American homes. "I was able to learn that all families are the same. Their customs may differ, but only slightly. I have children; I teach them to have table manners. American parents also teach their children table manners. Our manners may be different, but we are both showing our children how to behave properly."

Mr. Zingani felt that, through meetings and discussion, he and his hosts had learned something of what each could give the other. He believed that each could share with the other a spirit of understanding and a spirit of sympathy founded on a sense of brotherhood in God.

While in the Diocese of Texas, which is in a companion relationship with the Diocese of Malawi, he told an audience what this relationship meant to him: "I am a member of the Diocese of Texas and you are members of the Diocese of Malawi. It is as simple as that."

When Mr. Zingani arrives home, wearing his new ten gallon hat, what will he tell his countrymen of the Church in America? He sat silently for a moment before answering this question, staring out the window. When he turned, he smiled and replied that he would tell Africans that American Christians are waking up to their responsibility to act as leaven in their society, working to renew it. He will also tell his countrymen that they must do the same.