This diocese has been without a bishop for several years. The last election was disputed, and court cases are outstanding. I don’t pretend to understand all the politics, but the issues of sexuality, the Anglican crisis, foreign-born vs. native-born bishops, and economic aid are factors.
From History of Likomo Cathedral
Inside the Cathedral are many articles which connect it with many historical events and distant places. For example, the cross hanging over the pulpit was made from a piece of wood from the tree under which David Livingstone’s heart was buried in Zambia; the staff at the bishop’s throne has a piece of wood from the staff of Bishop Charles Mackenzie’s staff, and ivory which chief Zimchaya had paid as compensation when his people had killed an innocent man of God, Atlay; and, to satisfy their desire of building a new Jerusalem in the heart of Lake Malawi, some soil was brought all the way from Jerusalem and was placed underneath the high altar in the Cathedral.
Dear Heavenly Father,
The river of the water of life flows through the New Jerusalem, and there stands the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. We cry out for the Anglican Diocese of Lake Malawi. Grant this diocese the healing of the nations.
We know You are waiting to be gracious to them. On the basis of God’s Holy Word, empower these people to confess their sins and forgive their enemies. May they return to You, rest upon You, and in quietness trust in You. Through their adversity, may they come to behold You, their Teacher, and hear Your word behind them, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”
Without a cause, a curse cannot find a resting place. Wash away the curse of this rebellion.
Raise up for them a bishop pure in heart, that he may see the face of God, a bishop who shall reflect the light of Christ. In the name of the Prince of Peace we plea for Lake Malawi. Amen.
Proverbs 26:2, Revelation 22:1-4, Matthew 5:8, Isaiah 30
UPDATE: I am told, via e-mail, that Likomo Cathedral is in the diocese of Northern Malawi, which separated from the diocese of Lake Malawi in 1994-1995. Thanks for all your help, readers!
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