Community of St John the Baptist (CSJB)

Community of St John the Baptist is the community of African sisters in the Anglican Church. It is situated in the Southern part of Africa whereby it is under the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA); it is in the Diocese of Mthatha. Community of St John the Baptist was established and known as an Anglican Religious Community since 1914. It was started by the Community of St Mary the Virgin (CSMV) who came from England into South Africa to assist Cowley fathers on the establishment of St Cuthbert’s Parish. Sister Alberta joined the community whereby she became the first South African woman. Sisters of Mary the Virgin wanted to name the community as Epiphany but Sr. Alberta insisted on calling it as Community of St John the Baptist. Many women joined the community and different Mother Superiors have led the community up to this far. The main objective of the Sisters of St John the Baptist is to emulate John the Baptist on preparing the way of the Lord by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ in various ways. They also give glory to God by keeping three vows that are Chastity, poverty as well as obedience. Community of St John the Baptist works hand in hand with the parish of St Cuthbert’s as well as the Diocese at large. Sisters do missionary work and they do it mostly by ploughing back to the community on identifying needy children and assist them on their basic needs like education. There were many sisters back then that joined the community but only three are left at the moment for others went to join the Lord; those that are present are continuing to pray for God to expand their territory on calling many to worship with them.