Episcopal Press and News

Eviction of Bishop Mize Protested by Executive Council

Diocesan Press Service. June 5, 1968 [66-10]

GREENWICH, CONN. -- A resolution protesting the eviction of the Rt. Rev. Robert Mize, Bishop of Damaraland and Ovamboland, by the government of the Republic of South Africa was voted by Executive Council of the Episcopal Church at its May meeting here at Seabury House, May 21 - 23.

Bishop Mize, a former priest in the Episcopal Church and a native-born citizen of the United States, was consecrated in November, 1960, after serving for a time as a priest under Archbishop Joost de Blank in Cape Town. He is well-known in the Episcopal Church as the founder of the St. Francis Boys' Homes, of Salina, Kan.

The Bishop was notified in January by the South African government that he would not be allowed to remain in the country after July 26 but made that fact known only recently in a pastoral letter to the people of his Diocese. He said that no reason was given for his expulsion from the country.

The Executive Council resolution pointed out that the Mandate of South Africa over the territory of South West Africa allows freedom of travel for missionaries and that Bishop Mize had never engaged in public dispute over governmental policies. The Diocese of Damaraland and Ovamboland is located in South West Africa, although under the jurisdiction of South Africa, by terms of the Mandate.

The Mandate was terminated in 1966 by the United Nations, but South Africa has refused to recognize the action and has denied entrance to the territory of the United Nations Council established to administer the country.

The Executive Council resolution urged Episcopalians and other Christians to protest to Congressmen, the South African government, the United Nations and the U. S. State Department.