Letter From The Bishop
- LETTER FROM THE BISHOP
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is with great joy that I extend a heartfelt welcome to all who visit the website of The Anglican Church of Tanzania, Lake Rukwa Diocese, located in Katavi Region at Mpanda Municipality, nearby Rungwa Secondary School. Whether you are a faithful member of our diocesan family, newly arrived, or simply seeking a place of prayer and belonging, please know that you are most warmly received.
The Diocese of Lake Rukwa is a family of faith, hope, and love. It is here that we encounter Christ in the Word, in the Sacraments, and in one another. In the words of our Lord Jesus Christ:
“That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21).
May this Scripture guide us as we strive for unity, faithfulness, and a strong witness to the world.
I pray that this website will serve as both an open door and a guiding light helping you to stay connected, grow in faith, and be encouraged to live out the Gospel in your daily life.
I invite you to explore the many opportunities for worship, service, and fellowship that our Diocese offers. May you find here encouragement for your spiritual journey and the assurance that you are never alone, for God walks with you always.
Please know that I hold you in my prayers. May the Lord bless you abundantly, strengthen your faith, and grant you peace.
With every blessing in Christ,
✝️ Rt. Rev Ephraim Paulo Ntikabuze
Bishop of the Diocese Lake Rukwa
- Church History
- Vision and Mission
- DLR moto
- Overall Objective
- Church Goal
- Church Core Values
- Statement Of Faith
Missionary Diocese of Lake Rukwa (DLR)
The Diocese of Lake Rukwa was carved out of the Diocese of Western Tanganyika following the establishment of the Anglican Church of Tanzania – Diocese of Lake Rukwa constitution in March 2009.
The Diocese operates on a Deanery and Parish model, with each unit being semi-autonomous. It began with five Deaneries and 24 Parishes, and was officially established as a Diocese in 2010.
Location and Geography
The Diocese is located in the South Western part of Tanzania, covering the regions of Rukwa and Katavi, between 3.60° to 9.00° South of the equator and 29.50° to 33.00° East of Greenwich.
Katavi Region was recently carved out of Rukwa Region for administrative purposes. The Diocese is bordered by Zambia to the south.
Climate
Temperatures range from 130°C to 160°C (June–August) and 260°C to 300°C (September–November). Annual rainfall varies between 700mm to 1300mm.
Mission and Oversight
The Diocese functions as a modal, effective, and sustainable spiritual oversight body, guiding the church in its mission to foster and promote quality service delivery.
Leadership
The first Diocesan Bishop was Rt. Rev. Mathayo Isaya Kasagara (2010–2022). He was succeeded by the current bishop, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Paulo Ntikabuze, who was consecrated and enthroned on July 30, 2023.
Current Structure
The Diocese now comprises:
- 14 Deaneries
- 60 Parishes
- 30 Congregations
- Over 6,000 members
Vision
Have a progressive and peaceful community living satisfactory life.
Mission
To nurture spiritually, building capacity and equip the community so as to be prAnglican Church of Tanzaniaical and resourceful in self – Development.
Renewed mindsets and transformed communities
To achieve the above goal, the ANGLICAN CHURCH OF TANZANIA – DLR has its main objective, which is
“To create in the Katavi and Rukwa region a place where people will transform the human capital, skilled and semi-skilled, for economic development that will be produced through relevant resource.”
To increase the contribution of the church in Katavi and Rukwa Regions for the attainment of economic growth, reduction of poverty and improved social wellbeing though good health, education, innovative generation and application of knowledge.
Core Values of the Diocese of Lake Rukwa
- Faithfulness to God’s Word
Anchoring all teaching, decisions, and actions in the truth and authority of Scripture. - Holiness and Integrity
Living a life that reflects Christ’s purity, honesty, and moral uprightness in both public and private spheres. - Unity and Fellowship
Building strong, loving relationships across congregations, celebrating diversity within the body of Christ. - Compassion and Service
Responding to human need with Christ-like empathy, generosity, and practical support. - Excellence in Ministry
Pursuing high standards in leadership, worship, and discipleship with dedication and humility. - Mission and Evangelism
Actively sharing the Gospel and expanding God’s Kingdom through outreach, witness, and church planting.
We believe in:
- One God in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
We believe in the eternal unity and divine nature of the Trinity—three Persons in one Godhead. - The Divine Inspiration and Authority of Holy Scripture
The Bible is God’s revealed Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit and authoritative for faith and life. - The Salvation of Humankind through the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the only Savior, whose sacrifice brings forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life. - The Power of the Holy Spirit to Sanctify, Guide, and Empower Believers
The Holy Spirit transforms lives, equips the Church, and leads believers in truth and service. - The Unity of the Church as the Body of Christ
All believers are spiritually united in Christ, called to worship, fellowship, and mission together. - The Resurrection of the Dead and the Hope of Eternal Life
We affirm the bodily resurrection and the promise of everlasting life for those who trust in Christ. - Marriage is the Union Between Men and Women
We uphold marriage as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, ordained by God.
Church Projects
Church project text comming soon
Church Leadership and Organography
The Anglican Church of Tanzania, Lake Rukwa Diocese, is guided by a dedicated team of leaders committed to fostering spiritual growth and community development. Our leadership structure is designed to ensure effective governance and support for our mission of renewing mindsets and transforming communities.
Bishop John Doe
Diocesan Bishop
Reverend Jane Smith
Senior Pastor
Elder Michael Brown
Head of Community Outreach
Sister Mary Johnson
Director of Youth Programs
Our Valued Partners
We are blessed to walk in fellowship with local, national, and international partners, such as Ecumenical councils and Christian organizations. Mission agencies and NGOs supporting education, health, and development. Faith-based networks that share in our mission of evangelism and discipleship including:
Walk With Us— As God Walks With You
Here, you are never alone. Join a community rooted in Scripture, united in Christ, and committed to living out the Gospel daily.
Connect, worship, and grow with us.