Our story

Serving Lake Malawi communities since 1971

The Diocese is part of the Anglican Council of Malawi in the Province of Central Africa, deeply rooted in faith and community life.

57 Parishes
64 Priests
1971 Established

Our background & identity

Rooted in Anglican faith, present in community life

The Anglican Diocese of Lake Malawi was carved from the former nationwide Diocese of Malawi and has been in existence since 1971. As one of the four dioceses in the Anglican Church in Malawi, it covers the central and northern regions of the country, bordering the beautiful Lake Malawi.

We are a vibrant community of faith, rooted in the Anglican tradition while being deeply engaged with the local culture and the challenges facing our people today. Our institutions work across health, education, and social services to uplift local communities.

Geographical scope

Covering the Central Region of Malawi

The Anglican Diocese of Lake Malawi covers the entire Central Region of Malawi. Geographically, its boundaries stretch from the western border with Zambia across the central plains and districts, extending eastward to encompass the shores of Lake Malawi.

The see city and primary Cathedral, All Saints Cathedral, are located in Nkhotakota, while the Diocese also maintains a strong presence in Lilongwe. The Diocese is a key member of the Anglican Council of Malawi.

Western Extent Reaches the border with Zambia, including parishes in Mchinji.
Central & Eastern Extent Includes Lilongwe, Dowa, Kasungu, Ntchisi, Salima, and lakefront areas.
Neighbouring Dioceses Borders Northern Malawi to the north, and Southern Malawi and Upper Shire to the south.

Provincial communion

The Diocese of Lake Malawi is under the Church of the Province of Central Africa (CPCA). The Most Revd Albert Chama serves as Archbishop and Primate of the Province.

Governance & Order

Different departments and institutions are guided by the Diocesan Secretariat, with the Bishop as head of policy. The Secretariat is responsible for administration and management while the Bishop focuses on pastoral issues and overall oversight.

Bishop Daniel Kalonga
About our Bishop

Rt. Revd Daniel Kalonga

Bishop Daniel Kalonga was consecrated Bishop of Lake Malawi on 13 July 2025, bringing extensive pastoral and administrative experience to diocesan leadership.

Read the Bishop's message

How we serve

Departments, institutions, and community care

The Diocese actively serves the community through various thematic areas and established institutions, providing support where it's needed most.

Specialised Departments

Specialised departments form a key tier of the organization structure, reporting to the Bishop through appointments by the Diocesan Secretary.

  • 01
    Evangelism Coordinates evangelism programs and church organs.
  • 02
    Education & Projects Oversight for learning institutions, training, and projects.
  • 03
    Health Supports hospitals, clinics, and health programs.
  • 04
    Administration & Finance Provides support services for institutional sustainability.

Diocesan Institutions

In addition to churches, the Diocese operates several institutions under key thematic areas of health, education, and social care services.

2 Hospitals (St. Anne's & St. Andrew's)
5 Clinics serving local communities
100 Primary schools with 61,778 pupils
4 Secondary schools supported
1 Lake Malawi Anglican University
6 Orphan care centres & Lay Training

Intervention of the Church

Through the Anglican Church in Development, we respond to critical community challenges under four key thematic areas.

Inclusive development for all religions and races

Health & Care

HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, TB, malaria, water, sanitation, and nutrition.

Education

Bursaries, adult literacy, early childhood development, girl child education, and school infrastructure.

Agriculture & Climate

Food security, permaculture, demonstration gardens, re-afforestation, and agro-forestry.

Youth & Women

Self-help initiatives, micro-loans, skills development, human rights, and anti gender-based violence campaigns.

Current Challenges Faced

Floods & Hunger Water & Sanitation Access Health Issues Protection Rights