Diocese of Lesotho explained

Jurisdiction:	Diocese
Lesotho
Rite:	Anglican
Province:	Southern Africa
Bishop:	Vicentia Kgabe
Cathedral:	Cathedral of St. Mary and St. James, Maseru
Parishes:	24

The Diocese of Lesotho is a diocese in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa. It comprises the entire nation of Lesotho. It is divided in three archdeaconries, Central Lesotho, Northern Lesotho and Southern Lesotho. The former bishop is Adam Taaso, in office since 2008 until 2020. The Right Revd Dr Vicentia Kgabe was appointed by the Synod of Bishops and installed on the 5th of December 2021.

History

Lesotho was originally included in the Anglican Diocese of the Free State but became an independent diocese in 1950, still with the name of Basutoland. The first bishop was John Maund, who would be in office from 1950 to 1976. Upon the independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, the diocese was renamed the Diocese of Lesotho.^[1]

The seat of the diocese is the Cathedral of St Mary and St James in Maseru.

List of Bishops

• John Arrowsmith Maund 1950-1976
• Desmond Mpilo Tutu 1976-1978
• Philip Stanley Mokuku 1978-1997
• Andrew Thabo Duma 1997-1999
• Joseph Mahapu Tsubella 1999-2006
• Vacant - 2007
• Adam Taaso 2008-2020.^[2]
• Vicentia Kgabe was elected by the synod of bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, after the electoral college of the diocese of Lesotho failed to elect a successor to Taaso. She was consecrated in December 2021.^[3]

Bishops suffragan

• Fortescue Tumelo Makhetha
• Donald Nestor
• Andrew Thabo Duma

See also

• Religion in Lesotho

Notes and References

1. Book: Dove, Reginald . Anglican pioneers in Lesotho: some account of the Diocese of Lesotho, 1876-1930. 1975.
2. Web site: Bishop Taaso steps down . Pheko . Lipholo . The Post . 11 February 2020 . 20 September 2021 .
3. https://tma.melbourneanglican.org.au/2023/05/the-soweto-priest-god-gifted-to-lead-a-mountain-kingdom/ Melbourne Anglican website, article by Jenan Taylor dated May 17, 2023