[Anglican Communion News Service] The Anglican Province of Central Africa recently ordained 14 women to the priesthood in a first for the province.
The service was held May 17 at the Anglican Holy Cross Cathedral in Gaborone, Botswana. Among those present were the Most Rev. Albert Chama, archbishop of Central Africa and bishops from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, as well as The Episcopal Church and the Church of England.
Over many years, numerous motions to ordain women have been presented to the Provincial Synods of the Church of the Province of Central Africa (CPCA). In November 2023, the province passed a motion to move forward with women’s ordination, as proposed by the Diocese of Botswana and seconded by the Diocese of Harare.
The women ordained on May 17 are the Rev. Beauty Autlwetse, the Rev. Lesedi Bahayesi, the Rev. Florence Bogopa, the Rev. Lesego Bosimele, the Rev. Onicah Lentshikang, the Rev. Ethel Matlala, the Rev. Margaret Mere, the Rev. Mercy Molefe, the Rev. Precious Tonny Mosarwe, the Rev. Dijeng Motsepe-Lebatha, the Rev. Hildah Ncaagae-Tshabadira, the Rev. Gasetoro Ncube, the Rev. Bosinki Matlapeng-Ndzinge and the Rev. Mosetsanagape Sepora.
More information is available from Anglican Communion News Service.