William Mostert to speak at St. Andrew’s on Sunday
Bringing a message of love and hope, the Rt. Rev. William Mostert will be the guest preacher at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church this weekend on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Bishop William recently retired as Bishop of the Diocese of Christ the King in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“I’m retired, but not tired,” he quipped. Traveling to Boca Grande for a day or two appears to be part of a plan he has to continue doing the ministry he loves, while not being tied to a set schedule. He and his wife Ursula are enjoying driving to new places and seeing more of the United States.
“We have found the people in America to be lovely and most gracious,” he said. “We have come to love the people and the country.”
They are centered in Nashville, Tenn. while in the country, and will be taking their time driving to Southwest Florida and back in time to lead a Thanksgiving service back in Tennessee.
He explained that he was part of a special Episcopal ceremony in North Carolina some months ago when he connected with the Rev. Michelle Robertshaw, who invited him to Boca Grande as guest preacher. He said he was happy to have the invitation and to meet the members of the congregation.
Bishop William said his sermon at St. Andrew’s will be based on the Gospel of the day, which speaks of gifts and talents, and how to use them wisely, especially for the benefit of others. Some of his own life experiences are likely to be included in his lesson. He was active in the programs of peace and reconciliation in South Africa, working alongside his friend, Nobel Peace Prize Recipient, Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
His sermon will encourage “the people of God to use their gifts and talents to help the people of God.” He said there is much pain and suffering in the world today, and it is the work of God’s people to uplift one another and to look out for those in need.
Bishop William has put his own talents and gifts to work for the Anglican Church of Southern Africa for many years. He was elected the second bishop of the Diocese of Christ the King in 2016. This diocese is part of the greater Johannesburg area, within the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.
At 70, bishops in South Africa are required to retire. Although he has not quite reached that milestone, he decided to retire during his 70th year, and continue to do ministry.
In addition to his role in the Diocese, Bishop William is a member of the House of Bishops, and also served as the liaison Bishop of the Bible Society of South Africa and the United Bible Society. He also served on the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (USPG). On the local level, he also has been a member of the College Council (Training for Clergy) and Discernment Teams.
Bishop William was born and raised in Kimberley, South Africa. He attended St. Paul’s Theological College in Grahamstown, and was ordained in 1985. He has served in various dioceses around the Southern Africa Province. In 2009, he was called to be Dean and Rector of St. Dunstan’s Cathedral in the Diocese of Highveld. In 2013, he was appointed as Provincial Executive Officer of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa until his election as Bishop.
In addition, he has had various experiences serving church life in the United States, starting with two sabbaticals in 2001 and 2003, in the Diocese of North Carolina. He then served as Priest in Residence in 2005. In 2015, a sabbatical brought him to Christ Church Cathedral.
Bishop William is married to Ursula, they have two adult children and five grandchildren. He is an avid sports fan having played soccer, rugby, tennis, and cricket.
