The Anglican Church of Mozambique and Angola has become the 42nd member of the Anglican Communion of Churches.
Currently, the Anglican Church in the two countries are Portuguese-speaking dioceses of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa. The new province will become the third Lusophone Church in the Anglican Communion, joining the Igreja Episcopal Anglicana
The church in Mozambique and Angola has grown rapidly in recent years.
The new Province will include four new dioceses - Lebombo, Niassa and Nampula in Mozambique – and the Diocese of Angola-Good Shepherd.
Primate of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, Most Rev Archbishop Thabo Makgoba said: “I am delighted for this journey of faith, planting another province within the Anglican Communion”.
“Since the vision for a new Portuguese-speaking province was first mentioned in my charge to our 2019 Provincial Synod, we have moved from four dioceses to nine.
“Although nothing replaces eyeball-to-eyeball contact, we have managed to conduct the process virtually. We are grateful that it has been possible to do it efficiently and cost-effectively.”
The Acting-Presiding Bishop-Elect, the Most Revd Carlos Matsinhe, said: “When I look back right to the beginning of the entry of Anglicanism in Mozambique and Angola, I thank God that the seeds that were planted have grown, are flourishing, and bearing fruits.
“Throughout the history it was bishops, priests, and particularly lay people, from abroad and from every village where the Anglican Church has set its foot, that have worked for more than a century to bring about the growth that we can visibly see today. We are challenged to continue bearing fruits that can abide.”
Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Justin Welby participated in the service of inauguration. He said on Twitter: “Lord Jesus, bless, hallow and sanctify this new province; make it a lively part of your one holy, catholic and apostolic church.”
The elections of bishops for the new dioceses in the Province will take place between March and May of 2022.
