30th anniversary of the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Zambia

The Anglican Diocese of Eastern Zambia celebrated its 30th anniversary on 23 November 2025 at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Chipata. The celebrations were held in the grounds of Bishop John Osmers House and brought together church leaders, traditional authorities and members of the Anglican community from within and beyond the diocese to mark this very special occasion.

The Most Reverend Dr Albert Chama, Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Central Africa and Bishop of Lusaka, preached at the service to mark the 3 decades since the foundation of the diocese. The diocese was also honoured by the presence of Bishops John Kafwanka, EJ Ebenezer Jeff Japhet Ponda, Emmanuel Chikoya and Bill Mchombo, along with clergy and lay members from across the Anglican Diocese of Upper Shire in Malawi and other regions.

Traditional leaders Inkosi Sairi and Chief Malama attended the celebration, offering support, blessing and encouragement to the gathering.

During the event,  past and present clergy and lay leaders were thanked for their work to help lay the foundations of the diocese and to help it continue to grow and flourish. Special tribute was paid to Bishops John Osmers and William Mchombo, who continue to shape the life and witness of the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Zambia.

Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation ZNBC TV shared this report on the celebrations marking the 30th anniversary.