The Anglican Diocese of the Upper Shire is preparing to enthrone Right Reverend William Mchombo as its third bishop, succeeding Brighton Vitta Malasa.
This follows a period of nearly a year and a half without a bishop due to conflicts between the faithful and the diocese’s leadership. Mchombo takes over from Malasa, who stepped down in October 2022.
Winasi Boma, Chairperson of the Bishop’s enthronement organizing committee, confirmed in an interview that all preparations are complete for Bishop Mchombo’s enthronement.
He revealed that President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima, Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara, and other top government officials will attend the ceremony.
“Bishop William Mchombo will be enthroned tomorrow (Saturday) to become the third Bishop of our diocese, at a function that will take place at St. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral at Mpondasi in Mangochi, as of now all is set for the event,” said Boma.
Boma added that Archbishop Dr. Albert Chama, who is head of the Anglican Province of Central Africa (APCA) in which Anglican Dioceses in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana fall, will preside over the enthronement.
Anglican Diocese of the Upper Shire covers districts of Mangochi, Machinga, Zomba, Balaka, Ntcheu, Mwanza, Neno and part of Dedza.
Meanwhile, Anglican faithfuls and those from other denominations are all over the streets of Mangochi to welcome President Chakwera and other dignitaries.
Born on August 21 1962, Bishop Mchombo has been transferred to Malawi from the Diocese of Eastern Zambia.
