Terence Fitzsimons

Nkosi Terence Fitzsimons

How does a priest in Rhodesia become tangled up with terrorists and people smuggling?



Father Michael Gale, an Anglican priest, leaving behind the dreary climes of his native Ireland, takes a parish in Gwelo, a town situated in the midlands of war torn Rhodesia. He arrives in 1973. His parish serves two communities: a large and enthusiastic African flock at St Augustine's where he is stoutly supported by the zealous Mother's Union, and a stand-offish white congregation at conservative St Cuthbert's.



Fr Gale's life is complicated when he involves himself with the Army as part-time chaplain. In consequence he becomes embroiled in the illegal disposal of bodies, the shooting of suspect terrorists and people smuggling. The celebration of a possibly bigamous marriage adds to his troubles and leads to difficulties, personal and parochial.



To cap it all, Fr Gale is informed by Special Branch that his name has been found on a terrorist death-list. How must he proceed?