“I wish we could be reconciled and not divided. We are praying that one day we will be united because those people are also members of our congregation. There has to be time for reconciliation,” she said.
One of the church members who opposed the ordainment, Monty Letshwiti said they are contemplating taking legal action, but indicated that they were not interested in fighting through the media because they have realised that journalists are biased. “We have decided not to fight our war through the media,” he said.
However, Kgosiemang does not seem to be deterred in her resolution to spread the word of God. She said she has been receiving overwhelming support from other church members
Even her male counterparts, she said, have been encouraging and supportive.
“They are always praying for me. I have learnt that people can help one another in times of need. Other church members supported me when I was facing hard times and I am also ready to support other people when they are facing hard times,” said the priest.
She said she was settling in her job and pointed out that if she had things her own way, she would be doing the job on a full time basis.
She noted that there has never been resentment from her congregation.
Kgosiemang said she has been undergoing a learning process and she was consulting everyone. “I don’t want to rush things. I just want to see what the congregation is interested in. I have already shared ideas with the Church Council and we have agreed on certain things,” she said. “I pray to God to give me guidance in everything that I am doing. I use my capabilities but when I am failing, I always call for assistance from other church members. Being a priest does not mean that you are capable of doing everything,” she said.
As part of her duties, Kgosiemang has been conducting funeral services. However, she has not solemnised any marriages as she is still waiting to be registered as a marriage officer by the district commissioner.
Kgosiemang’s ordainment was marred by controversy as a section of the church and members of the Bakgatla royal family opposed her ordainment and boycotted the ceremony. Bakgatla Paramount Chief, Kgosi Linchwe II who is also a member of the church, is on record saying he would never recognise Kgosiemang as a priest.
Those who were against Kgosiemang’s ordainment argued that it contravened the Church’s constitution, which they admitted discriminated against women priests. They wanted to see the constitution amended before a woman priest could be appointed.
Reverend Kgosiemang has just returned from Accra, Ghana where she attended the general council of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. She said she was able to interact with experienced women priests from different churches and added that they visited local churches and encouraged women to take up priesthood. She has extended the same challenge to local women.
