Emmanuel Mangava Inaugurated as Anglican Bishop"

 

On Saturday, 28 June 2025, history was made in Kuwadzana 4 as Emmanuel Mangava was officially enthroned as the Bishop of Harare-Chitungwiza, a diocese under the Anglican Church Province of Zimbabwe. This followed his consecration on 21 June 2025, and his election earlier in April 2025. The solemn ceremony was witnessed by church leaders, clergy, congregants, and family members, including Mai Chinhoyi, who has been a strong pillar of support in his journey.

Bishop Mangava’s story is one marked by deep spiritual conviction, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to God’s calling. His journey into ministry began in 1995 when he joined the Jesuit Order of the Roman Catholic Church, training to become a Jesuit priest. For eight years, he devoted himself to theological formation and service. However, in 2003, following the passing of his mother, he was asked to leave the Jesuit formation. He returned home to reflect and regroup.

In 2004, driven by his calling to continue in ministry, he joined the Anglican Church. He was soon appointed to lead St. Alban’s Mission and School in Chiweshe, where he served with distinction. His leadership abilities and passion for ministry saw him later transferred to Harare in 2010, where he became a parish priest at St. Cuthbert in Hatcliffe while also teaching at Marlborough High School.

Bishop Mangava remained committed to the Anglican Church Province of Zimbabwe under the leadership of Archbishop Dr. Nolbert Kunonga, even during times of institutional shifts. His loyalty, integrity, and service earned him the trust of both clergy and laity, leading to his elevation to bishopric office.

Born in the Mangava family of the Rwodzi clan under Chief Chirau in Zvimba, he is the sixth of ten children. His family has a rich history of Christian service — one of his brothers served as a Roman Catholic priest at St. Francis Parish in Murombedzi, where he sadly passed away in November 2023 and was buried at Kutama Mission. To date, four brothers and one sister from the original ten children are still alive.

Now as Bishop of Harare-Chitungwiza, Bishop Mangava oversees the spiritual and administrative direction of the diocese. His responsibilities include nurturing the faith of the people, overseeing parishes and clergy, expanding the reach of the Church through the establishment of new congregations, and administering the seven sacraments in accordance with the teachings and principles of the Church. He works hand-in-hand with the Standing Committee of the Diocese and reports to Archbishop Dr. Nolbert Kunonga.

Bishop Mangava enters this new season of leadership with humility and a firm resolve to serve God's people faithfully. His journey from Jesuit seminarian to Anglican Bishop is a reflection of divine purpose — shaped by faith, guided by conviction, and driven by a vision to build the Church of God.