ANGLICAN WOMEN BISHOPS IN AFRICA
AFRICA SIX COMMUNIQUÉ
3RD FEBRUARY 2025
The Advisory Council of the Africa Six and the Center for Anglican Women’s Leadership and Research in Africa (CAWLRA) met at the Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village in the diocese of Lesotho from January 28th to 3rd February 2025 for a Strategic Planning Retreat.
Bishops Emily Onyango (Diocese of Bondo, Kenya), Dalcy Dlamini (Diocese of Eswatini), Vicentia Kgabe (Diocese of Lesotho), and Filemona Teta Estevao (Diocese of the Good Shepherd, Angola) were in attendance.
Unfortunately, Bishops Elizabeth Awut from the Diocese of Rumbek, South Sudan and Rose Okeno from the Diocese of Butere in Kenya could not attend due to travel challenges and other commitments, respectively. However, we were joined by several participants: The Rev. Dr Truphie Kwaka-Sumba, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at St. Paul’s University in Limuru, Kenya; Professor Abraham Waithima, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at St. Paul’s University in Limuru, Kenya; The Rev. Dr Daniel Karanja, Africa Partnership Officer for The Episcopal Church; Ms. Fran Mate, Senior Regional Manager for Africa at USPG; and Dr. Andrea Mann, Director of Global Relations for the Anglican Church of Canada.
The Retreat was a resounding success, offering significant in-person discussion opportunities to clarify CAWLRA’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities. This included prayer, thematic discussions, SWOT analyses, and critical decision-making. In preparation for the Centre’s
launch in February 2025, notable outcomes from the Retreat were the establishment of an Executive Governance Structure and a Strategic Work Plan. This plan, which will be implemented by the Centre’s Executive Director, Bishop Emily Onyango, and Program Coordinator, Ms Maureen Ongombe, is designed to fulfil CAWLRA’s mission of empowering Africa’s Anglican senior women leaders for a transforming church and society.
Programs and activities planned for 2025 will focus on visibility, sustainability, the advancement of women clergy, and the spiritual formation and growth of Anglican women leaders. The Executive governance structure of the Council was set up. Bishop Vicentia was elected Chairperson, Bishop Emily Onyango was elected Secretary and Bishop Rose Okeno was elected treasurer. The core values of justice, engagement, reasoning, scripture, collaboration, and integrity will guide CAWLRA’s ministry and its Advisory Council.
The Africa Six Advisory Council thanked God to all who supported the Retreat through offerings of all kinds so that the dream of the Africa Six Center for Anglican Women’s Leadership and Research in Africa has become a reality. With deep gratitude, we recognised the leadership of the first two African Anglican women bishops, The late Rt. Rev. Ellinah N. Wamukoya (Eswatini) and The Rt. Rev. Margaret B. Vertue (False Bay, Diocese, Southern Africa), in their pioneering courage, resilience, service and love for the church, opened the way for us and all episcopal women leaders to come.
Thank you, Bishop Vicentia Kgabe and the Diocese of Lesotho, for your warm welcome and generous hospitality in supporting the Council’s travel arrangements, accommodations, local transportation, and much more. It was a delight to visit the beautiful Kingdom of Lesotho and
learn about the diocese’s important role and service within the country’s local, regional, and national life.
The Council also expresses sincere gratitude for the firm and mutually beneficial relationship with St. Paul’s University (SPU) in Limuru, Kenya, where CAWLRA has its operational home and staffing under the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics, Professor
Abraham Waithima.
Lastly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to USPG, The Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Church of Canada for their unwavering partnership and support in this Strategic Retreat. Your contributions have been invaluable and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in the
future.
The Right Revd Dr Vicentia Kgabe
On behalf of the Advisory Council
