The Rt Revd Trevor Mwamba is retiring as Bishop of Botswana and moving to the UK as the Church in Botswana celebrates their 40th anniversary.
Anglicans from the Diocese of Botswana on Sunday celebrated the diocese 40th anniversary and bade farewell to their bishop in a special thanksgiving service held at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Botswana capital Gaborone.
Thousands of jubilant Christians and many high level dignitaries including the president of Botswana His Excellency Lt General Ian Khama Seretse Khama and the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu attended the event.
Preaching during the event, Dr John Sentamu challenged the Anglican Church in Botswana on the social role that it is mandated to play: “The church is called to challenge violence, injustice and oppression,” he said. “We are also called to work for peace and reconciliation. Jesus died on the cross because he was challenging injustice, violence and oppression.”
He added: “All the power given to Jesus, in heaven and on earth has been given to the Church to set free the oppressed and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
Outgoing Bishop of the diocese the Rt Revd Trevor Mwamba wished the Christians in the diocese well as he leaves for the United Kingdom. He said: “In your love and generosity, I have been transformed. I am much richer than I came and may the Lord strengthen, guide and inspire you for the next forty years.”
Bishop Mwamba is moving to a parish in Chelmsford in the Church of England, where he will also serve as assistant bishop.