On Sunday 9 August 2020, women were ordained for the first time in the Diocese of Morogoro.
Together with friends, family and clergy, 51 ordinands gathered in All Saints Cathedral to celebrate this significant event, which included the ordination of nine people to the priesthood. The service was led by the Bishop of Morogoro, The Rt Revd Godfrey Sehaba, who has expressed his great joy that women will now be a vital part of the ordained ministry team sharing the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the Diocese.
The three women ordained were:
- Pendo Mauta: Pendo received her Diploma in Theology from Morogoro Bible College, having previously received a Diploma in Accounting from Jordan University.
- Penina Madihi: Penina was born in Tunguli village and received her BA Theology degree from St John’s University in Dodoma. She tutors at Morogoro Bible College.
- Pasisi Maila: Born in Morogoro itself, Pasisi also received her BA Theology degree from St John’s University in Dodoma. Pasisi is Principal at Berega Bible School.
Links between the Dioceses of Morogoro and Worcester have been established for almost a decade, during which time Morogoro church leaders have conducted a lively debate concerning the acceptance of women for ordination. After much discussion, last Autumn the Diocese announced that women would be ordained for the first time in 2020.
Bishop John said,
“I am delighted that Bishop Godfrey was able to ordain three women at the recent ordinations in Morogoro. We greatly appreciate our link with our fellow Christians there and rejoice at this news, praying for God’s rich blessing on all who were ordained.”
We send our prayers and very best wishes to Pasisi, Pendo and Penina, their families and their parishes, as they begin their ministries.
Find out more about the Diocese of Morogoro and our links with them.
