Mwanga Diocese Set to Elect New Bishop on March 10

New Bishop for Mwanga Diocese to Be Chosen on March 10

March 6, 2025

The Mwanga Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (KKKT) is set to hold a special election on March 10, 2025, to appoint a successor for the late Bishop Chediel Sendoro, who passed away in a tragic car accident on September 9, 2024. The election comes nearly six months after the untimely death of Bishop Sendoro, who had served as bishop of the Diocese for eight years.

The fatal accident occurred in Kisangiro, Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro, when Bishop Sendoro's Toyota Prado collided head-on with a truck as he was returning home from Kileo. The collision took place around 1:30 AM.

The Election for a New Bishop

The election to fill the vacant position is a critical moment for the Mwanga Diocese. According to Mathias Msemo, the Diocese's Secretary General, the upcoming March 10 meeting will focus solely on electing a new bishop. Msemo noted that the election would not have been necessary had Bishop Sendoro not passed away prematurely, as he was still in the midst of his term.

"Had it not been for the tragic loss, we would have waited until 2026, as Bishop Sendoro still had two years left to complete his tenure," Msemo explained. He further elaborated on the diocesan tradition, where a bishop serves for a period of 10 years. After this period, a trust vote is conducted to decide if the bishop continues in their role until the official retirement age, which is set at 65 years of age voluntarily, or 70 years of age mandatorily.

The Legacy of Bishop Sendoro

Bishop Sendoro, who became the first bishop of the newly established Mwanga Diocese on November 6, 2016, left behind a remarkable legacy. His tenure was marked by significant achievements in spiritual leadership, community development, and the growth of the Diocese’s economic ventures. His efforts to unite the people of Mwanga, both locally and internationally, were a hallmark of his ministry.

Reflecting on his passing, several pastors within the Diocese expressed their desire to see his vision for the Diocese continued by his successor.

Voices from the Diocese

Pastor Deogratius Msangi, the head of the Diocese’s Missionary District, shared that the community continues to pray for a worthy successor. "We pray that God leads us to a bishop who will continue the work Bishop Sendoro began and will guide us forward in the spirit of unity," Msangi said.

Pastor Msangi acknowledged the challenges of choosing a new bishop, but he expressed optimism that God would provide the right leader. He noted that Bishop Sendoro had initiated several projects, including economic ventures, and had a vision for strengthening the bond between Mwanga residents and members abroad. "We hope the next bishop will carry on this vision with zeal," Msangi added.

Pastor Charles Tenga, who leads the Mgagao Parish, expressed a similar desire for a spiritual leader who would continue the emphasis on prayer that Bishop Sendoro had championed. "Bishop Sendoro’s legacy is his spiritual commitment, and we hope to find someone who will lead our community with the same passion for prayer and growth," Pastor Tenga said.

Pastor Anituja Msuya, who also serves as the Gender, Women, and Children Coordinator for the Diocese, emphasized the importance of humility, cooperation, and reconciliation in the next bishop. "We desire a bishop who will build on the legacy of Bishop Sendoro, especially in nurturing a spirit of forgiveness, unity, and love," Msuya noted.

Bishop Sendoro’s ability to mediate conflict was especially significant, as it helped bring peace to the Diocese after a period of division. Pastor Msuya expressed hope that the new bishop would carry forward these unifying efforts and strengthen the services and initiatives begun by the late Bishop.

As the Diocese prepares for the election, the community remains united in its prayers, hoping for a successor who will lead with the same compassion, vision, and dedication that Bishop Sendoro demonstrated during his time as their shepherd.