THE diocese of Botswana marked its 40th birthday with a visit
from the Archbishop of York, Dr Sentamu.
Dr Sentamu read out a message from the Archbishop of Canterbury,
who congratulated the diocese on reaching this "significant
moment".
"It's an opportunity not only to look back with thanks to all
those who have contributed to make the Anglican Church in Botswana
to be where it is today, but also to celebrate the role of the
Church," Archbishop Welby said.
Dr Sentamu, who preached in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross,
Gaborone, the capital of Bots- wana, called on the Church to
"challenge violence, injustice, and oppression".
Thousands of people attended the celebration, which also
included the dedication of large stained-glass windows in the Lady
chapel of the cathedral, honouring the Anglican Communion.
The service also marked the departure of the outgoing diocesan
Bishop, the Rt Revd Trevor Mwamba, who will take up a post in east
London as Rector in the Barking Team Ministry.
Bishop Mwamba, who trained for the priesthood at St Stephen's
House, Oxford, said that he had been "transformed" by his years as
Bishop of the diocese.
He has worked as a mediator within the province of Central
Africa, and has called for moderation over the issue of
homosexuality, urging African Churches to concentrate on social and
economic problems instead.
He also made a cameo appearance in the BBC TV drama The No.
1 Ladies' Detective Agency, which is set in Botswana, where he
played himself.