Today, 24 September, our Diocesan Partners in Mozambique and Angola become an autonomous Province of the Anglican Communion, having been part of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa since 1893. The service led by Archbishop Justin Welby at 3pm UK time was broadcast live and is available to watch on YouTube. The service launched the new Portuguese speaking Province IAMA: Igreja Anglicana de Mocambique e Angola
This has been a time of extraordinary growth and creativity in our Companion Link. The four Dioceses of Lebombo, Niassa and Nampula in Mozambique, and the Diocese of Angola have, throughout Covid-19 restrictions, not only worked virtually on the Canons and Constitution of the new Province, but also celebrated the creation of eight new dioceses – three in Angola and five in Mozambique.
Our partner Bishops have shared their hopes for IAMA, summarised below with the full text on the ALMA website.
Bishop Sarah writes:
‘We give thanks for IAMA and for all who have dreamed, prayed, encouraged and supported IAMA into being. We honour the generosity of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and the vision of Archbishop Thabo…
It is our privilege to journey alongside you in mission and ministry, learning with and from each other, as we live and share the good news of Christ Jesus. May you be blessed today, and in the months and years ahead’.
Bishop Carlos Matsinhe, the Presiding Bishop of IAMA invites us to join in prayer as IAMA is inaugurated:
Faithful God of love
the same yesterday, today and tomorrow:
Your protection and provision
over the years is indescribable.
We thank you for calling us to
your ministry of evangelization and reconciliation
and for choosing IAMA for this ministry.
Bless the members of the Provincial Synod,
and all who join for the Inauguration of
the Anglican Church of Mozambique and Angola,
in your name,
because you live and reign
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever Amen. Amen.
Watch the IAMA Inauguration service