A five-day retreat bringing together bishops of the Anglican Church of Tanzania and their spouses has concluded with the consecration and enthronement of the Rt Revd Esron Yuba Kaziri as the first Bishop of the new Diocese of Kahama.
Held in the Diocese of Biharamulo from 24–28 August, the retreat incorporated sessions on leadership, discipleship, Anglican identity, mission, community transformation and changes to the Province’s constitution and governance.
The theme ‘Putting out into the deep’ was drawn from Luke 5, where Jesus tells Simon Peter to put out into deep water and let down the nets for a catch. The retreat focused on equipping bishops and spouses for ministry, in a context of significant growth for the Anglican Church of Tanzania. Three new dioceses have been created in 2026: Geita, Handeni and Kahama.
The Rt Revd John Msuma, Bishop of Tarime, said the retreat had provided an opportunity for bishops and their spouses to study Scripture, reflect on their calling and learn together. He said: ‘God has called us to be here as a family of God, to be committed for His mission.’
Alongside joint sessions with bishops, spouses also took part in additional sessions dedicated to equipping them in their own ministry roles.
Frida Mndolwa, wife of the Most Revd Dr Maimbo Mndolwa, Archbishop of Tanzania and Bishop of Tanga, described how the programme provided space for spouses to discuss concerns and explore Scripture together, as well as supporting spouses of those newly taking on episcopal leadership. She said: ‘The call is not just for those who are bishops, but also for us. We feel very encouraged.’
Visit to Chato
During the retreat, the group travelled to Chato, where they visited the family of the late Dr John Pombe Magufuli, former President of Tanzania. They were received by his widow, Janeth Magufuli, and joined the family in a short service before visiting his grave.
The delegation also visited St Stephen’s Church in Chato, in the Diocese of Biharamulo, where they met members of the congregation and heard about the church’s development work. This includes a Child and Youth Development Centre supporting children from vulnerable backgrounds in partnership with Compassion International Tanzania.
Communion Forest – Tree Planting
On 29 August, before leaving Biharamulo, church leaders planted 20 fruit trees to contribute to the Communion Forest, the Anglican Communion’s global initiative supporting creation care, conservation and restoration.
This was a significant moment in the lead-up to the Season of Creation, which is observed ecumenically between 1 September and 4 October.
Those taking part included the Rt Revd Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, the Rt Revd Dr Jo Wells, Deputy Secretary General of the Anglican Communion and Bishop for Episcopal Ministry, the Rt Revd Vithalis Yusuph Sunzu, Bishop of Biharamulo, the Revd Canon George Otieno Lawi, General Secretary of the Anglican Church in Tanzania and the Revd Canon Sammy Wainaina, the Advisor for Anglican Communion Affairs to the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Rt Revd Dr Jo Wells, Deputy Secretary General of the Anglican Communion and Bishop for Episcopal Ministry, plants a fruit tree in Biharamulo, Tanzania.
Consecration Service – New Diocese of Kahama
The week of gatherings concluded on Sunday 30 August with the consecration and enthronement of the Rt Revd Esron Yuba Kaziri as the first Bishop of the new Diocese of Kahama, at the site of the new St Paul the Apostle Cathedral in Kahama.
The Most Revd Dr Maimbo Mndolwa, Archbishop of Tanzania and Bishop of Tanga, presided at the service. He encouraged members of the new diocese to remain united, support their new bishop and work together in the Gospel mission and development of the Church and wider community. He also encouraged those in attendance to support the completion of St Paul the Apostle Cathedral as its construction continues.
The Secretary General preached on John 21 and 1 Timothy 3, reflecting on Jesus' commission to Simon Peter to ‘feed my sheep’ and the requirements of a bishop as a shepherd to their flock. He encouraged members of the diocese to contribute their time and resources to support their new bishop and the mission of the diocese. He also spoke about the importance of church leaders caring for their families and modelling Christian family life.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Esron pledged to work in unity with the clergy and laity of the new diocese and to spread the Gospel through the planting of churches in both urban and rural communities.
More information
Watch the consecration and enthronement service for the first Bishop of Kahama.
Learn more about the Anglican Church of Tanzania.
Find out more about Episcopal Ministry in the Anglican Communion.
Find out more about the Communion Forest.