The Episcopal Synod of the Church of the Province of Central Africa (CPCA – comprising the Anglican dioceses in Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe) has appointed the Revd Preb John Kafwanka, currently Vicar of St Augustine of Canterbury, Whitton, in the Diocese of London, as the next Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Zambia (DNZ). This follows the translation of the former bishop, Archbishop Albert Chama, to the Anglican Diocese of Lusaka. Revd Kafwanka will be the fourth bishop of DNZ since its creation in the early 1970s.
John writes:
“I am deeply humbled by this call to go and serve as the next Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Zambia. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit I look forward to being part of God’s work in the Diocese of Northern Zambia and to lead and work with clergy and lay people in advancing the love of God in Jesus Christ in the towns and villages of that vast Diocese. It has been a huge privilege and blessing to serve as Vicar of St Augustine Whitton for the last three years – a journey which began at the peak of COVID-19. My family and I love and will miss the community in this part of London Diocese.”
The Bishop of London writes:
“I am delighted for Revd John to take up this new challenge in his home country, though the gap which he leaves in the Diocese of London will be difficult to replace. He has been a wise and spiritual man throughout his 18 years in London, and I pray for him and the congregation of Northern Zambia as he embarks on this new calling.”
The Bishop of Kensington, writes:
“It is with very mixed feelings that I receive this news! I am delighted for the Diocese of Northern Zambia as I know John will be a faithful and inspiring bishop who will serve them well. He is a wise and pastoral servant of the Gospel of Christ. I am inspired by John’s willingness to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and say ‘yes’ to this calling. However, we will miss him and his family hugely in the Kensington Area and the Diocese of London. My prayers are with John and his family, with the people and churches of DNZ, and with the congregation and community of St Augustine of Canterbury, Whitton, as they prepare for all that God has in store for the future”.
The Revd Preb John Kafwanka was born and brought up in Zambia and was ordained 30 years ago in the Diocese of Northern Zambia. He has served in parishes in Australia (Melbourne), Zambia and in England (London) where he has been serving for the last 18 years. He is currently serving as Vicar of St Augustine of Canterbury, Hampton Deanery, Kensington Episcopal Area. For more than ten years, John served as Director for Mission for the Anglican Communion, based at its Secretariat in London.
He previously served as Principal of Zambia’s national seminary for the Anglican Church, St John’s Seminary, before joining Church Mission Society (CMS Britain) as Regional Manager for Southern Africa (covering Angola, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia).