The Revd Carlos Respeito, Provincial Secretary of Igreja Anglicana de Mocambique e Angola (the Anglican Church of Mozambique and Angola) (IAMA), reflects on the historic consecration of the province’s first female bishop.
On the 3 September 2023, in Luanda, Angola, a momentous event unfolded: the consecration and installation service of Bishop Filomena Estêvão, the newly appointed Bishop of Bom Pastor (Good Shepherd). This historic occasion marked the first time a woman had been elected to lead a diocese within the Igreja Anglicana de Moçambique e Angola (IAMA). The service took place at the magnificent Belas Conference Centre in Luanda, a venue capable of accommodating up to 3,000 attendees.
The atmosphere was thrilling, and the centre brimmed with people not only from the Diocese of Bom Pastor but also from neighbouring dioceses. They had gathered to bear witness to and celebrate this momentous achievement. Ministers from various denominations were invited to attend, and the air was filled with the melodious sounds of brass bands, choir groups from sister churches, and the angelic voices of various Anglican choirs.
Notably, Bishop Filomena received a special gift during the service. The Church of England’s Bishop of Willesden, the Right Revd Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy, and the Revd John Tasker, representing the ALMA Link from the Diocese of London, presented her with a Pectoral Cross. This symbolic gesture serves as a reminder of her sacred duty to shepherd her flock, drawing inspiration from the ultimate sacrifice that reconciled humanity.
The service commenced promptly at 9 am and was presided over by Archbishop Carlos Matsinhe, the Bishop of Lebombo and interim Primate of IAMA. Distinguished bishops from three dioceses in Mozambique (Inhambane, Tete, and Zambézia) and three from Angola (Cristo Rei, Divina Esperança, and Centro e Sul) graced the occasion.
In his poignant sermon, Archbishop Carlos emphasised the weighty responsibilities that come with being a bishop. He reminded Bishop Filomena that her role would not be without its challenges, and she must strive to serve even those who might oppose her episcopacy. Love and mercy, he stressed, should be the guiding principles of her ministry, echoing the compassionate spirit of Jesus.
Furthermore, Archbishop Carlos underscored a profound truth: God’s call to serve transcends gender boundaries, empowering both men and women for service. This message resonated deeply with those in attendance.
During the consecration ceremony, the congregation couldn’t contain their joy and broke into spontaneous celebrations. At times, the master of ceremonies had to gently remind the choir to pause and allow the proceedings to continue. It was a truly beautiful and joyous service, a testament to the significance of the occasion.
As the service drew to a close, and before offering her blessings to the people and the city, Bishop Filomena had the privilege of listening to speeches from her family members, government officials, and representatives from other churches. These dignitaries extended their heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Filomena for her consecration, commending the Anglican Church of Mozambique and Angola for its courageous and determined commitment to gender equality in leadership roles.tion and installation service of Bishop Filomena Estêvão will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of the Igreja Anglicana de Moçambique e Angola, a testament to the church’s progressive spirit and its commitment to inclusivity and equality.