Three new bishops were consecrated in Holy Cross Cathedral, Lusaka, for the Church of the Province of Central Africa, this month. The new bishops include the Rt Revd John Kafwanka Kaoma, a former director for mission for the Anglican Consultative Council, who is now the Bishop of Northern Zambia. Also consecrated were the Rt Revd Dennis Milanzi, the new Bishop of Eastern Zambia, and the Rt Revd Emmanuel Chikoya, the Suffragan Bishop in Lusaka, who previously led the Livingstone Anglican Children’s Project, working to prevent human trafficking in the city.
Bishop Michael who was unable to attend in person sent a message on behalf of the Diocese of Bath and Wells in which he wished the bishops …”all the bery best for their future ministries among the people of God and pray that God will richly bless them as they take up their callings to their present tasks among the people of Northern, Eastern and Lusaka Diocese.”
Annabel Capel Zambia Link Coordinator and Canon Jenny Humphreys, former world mission adviser and Zambia-link co-ordinator for the diocese of Bath & Wells represented the diocese at the consecrations.
Jenny shared a reflection of her recent visit to Zambia.
“As a Canon of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, it was a huge privilege to attend the consecration of three new bishops for the Zambian Church. It was such a delight to meet up with so many old friends, and to make some new ones!
“My daughter Rachel came with me for her first visit to Zambia and we are grateful to Dean Charley Thomas and Archbishop Albert Chama for our invitation to attend the service, and for looking after us so well during our stay.
“As ever Zambian hospitality is humbling in its generosity. We wish the new bishops every blessing for their new ministries and may God bless the Anglican Church in Zambia now and in the future.”