The province of Central Africa is composed of Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Currently, they have no archbishop, and they have several vacant sees: in Malawi–Diocese of Upper Shire and Diocese of Lake Malawi; and in Zimbabwe–Diocese of Harare, Diocese of Manicaland and Diocese of Matabeleland. There are caretaker bishops in the Dioceses of Harare and Manicaland but permanent bishops need to be elected.
I have never understood the ecclesiastical politics of this province. I have gathered from some googling that there has been some dispute in civil courts about the synodical procedures to elect the Malawi bishops.
O God, this province has dealt with so many problems. Zimbabwe is in conflict. Their nations are landbound, and the economy is depressed. Like the vision in Ezekiel: ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’
O Lord, we cry out, Raise up spiritual leaders who will bring them back to life. Renew this province by the Spirit of God. Restore this land to the fullness of Your blessing. Breath Your life into them so that they may live in hope, standing to their feet and doing Your will.
Lord, we pray for healing of these dioceses before the bishop elections take place. This province has suffered under a curse for too long. On the basis of God’s Holy Word, help them to confess their sins to one another and forgive their enemies. Without a cause, a curse cannot find a resting place (Prov 26:2). By the blood of Your precious Son, dear Lord, we pray that Your church will be cleansed of the sin of unforgiveness.
May Your blessings reign in this province. May the true blessings of New Life pour down into the dioceses of Upper Shire, Lake Malawi, Harare, Manicaland, and Matabeleland and each vacant see be filled with a holy, wise, and courageous bishop. May the Hope of the Lord take root and grow and bear much fruit in Central Africa. Amen.