Serving Together in Mozambique and Angola

At a defining moment for one of the Anglican Communion’s newest Provinces, leaders gathered not simply to meet, but to be renewed, realigned, and recommitted to a shared future.

From 25-29 May 2026, bishops of the Igreja Anglicana de Moçambique e Angola (IAMA), together with their spouses, met at the Homecare Retreat Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, for a landmark Leadership and Fellowship Retreat. Convened in partnership with United Society Partners in the Gospel and the Overseas Bishopric’s Fund, the gathering was shaped by a clear and compelling theme: “Growing and Serving Together.”

Just five years after its inauguration, IAMA stands at a pivotal stage of its journey. This retreat offered a rare space for spiritual renewal, honest reflection, and strategic alignment – laying foundations for a more resilient, unified, and mission-focused Province.

The retreat combined spiritual depth with practical intent. Bishops gathered to deepen their communion with God and one another, assess the realities facing the province, and shape a shared framework for pastoral, institutional, and strategic renewal over the next three years.

Grounded in Hebrews 10:24–25, the emphasis on encouragement and fellowship framed the week. Participants sought not only to address challenges, but to cultivate a shared vision for a flourishing Church across Mozambique and Angola.

Watch the highlights:

Discussions were candid, constructive, and forward-looking, raising up both challenges and opportunities:

• Leadership and character: Bishops reflected on the pressures of ministry, affirming that resilient leadership must be rooted in spiritual discipline, integrity, and faithful discipleship.
• A healthy Church: Conversations explored how to nurture churches that are theologically grounded, pastorally responsive, and institutionally strong.
• Provincial realities: Honest dialogue addressed issues of unity, capacity gaps, governance, and financial sustainability.
• Strategic renewal: Clear pathways were identified to strengthen collaboration, accountability, resource mobilisation, evangelism, and discipleship.
• Ecumenical engagement: The role of partnerships, including through PROCMURA, was affirmed as vital in strengthening the Church’s witness.

These deliberations shaped a shared three-year roadmap centred on unity, leadership development, character formation, and sustainability.

A distinctive strength of the retreat was the inclusion of bishops’ wives, reflecting a holistic vision of leadership. Their presence enriched the gathering, recognising that ministry is relational and sustained within families and communities.

Through dedicated sessions and wider participation, they contributed valuable insights on leadership, conflict resolution, and the lived realities of ministry. Their voices deepened conversations on reconciliation, humility, and care, while underscoring the indispensable role of women in the life of the Church. This intentional inclusion reflects USPG’s commitment to gender justice and inclusive leadership.

The Rt Revd Ishmael Mukuwanda, former Bishop of Central Zimbabwe, said:

USPG did a wonderful job putting all of these people together in one place, and with their spouses. It was wonderful that the spouses were invited and I was amazed at their contributions. They are so invested in the success of this Province.

The retreat generated both practical commitments and renewed momentum for the Province. Participants committed to strengthening unity through reconciliation, regular fellowship, and shared prayer, while also expanding leadership development and capacity-building across diocesan and provincial levels. There was a shared determination to enhance financial stewardship by promoting greater transparency and long-term sustainability. The retreat also reaffirmed the importance of investing in theological formation, including advancing the vision of an Anglican Theology University, and highlighted the need to support clergy families through ongoing formation and fellowship opportunities, particularly for bishops’ wives.

Importantly, the bishops committed to convening the next retreat in May/June 2027, ensuring continuity and accountability.

USPG played a central role as convener and companion, drawing on its longstanding experience in supporting leadership and mission across Africa. By creating space for dialogue, shared learning, and fellowship, USPG enabled IAMA to draw on both local insight and the wider wisdom of the Anglican Communion.

Its continued commitment to accompany IAMA over the next three years reflects a deep conviction: when leadership is renewed, the Church is strengthened.

Fran Mate, Senior Regional Manager for Africa at USPG, said:

It was very crucial to bring the bishops and their wives together to reflect on their journey as a Province and to see how they can come together and grow together, strengthen their leadership, enhance their resources, and build the church on a foundation that is strong.