Church History
History of the Anglican Church in Malawi
The Anglican Church in Malawi traces its origins to 1861, when Bishop Charles Mackenzie arrived with explorer and missionary David Livingstone. This marked the beginning of Anglican missionary work in the region then known as Nyasaland. The church grew steadily, establishing congregations, schools, and mission stations that laid the foundation for today’s Anglican presence in Malawi.
Malawi is part of the Church of the Province of Central Africa (CPCA), inaugurated in 1955, which also includes Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Although these countries differ culturally and politically, they are united in one ecclesiastical province.
Initially, Malawi was served by a single Diocese of Nyasaland. As the church expanded, it was divided to enhance pastoral care and ministry effectiveness. This led to the creation of multiple dioceses across the country. Today, the Anglican Church in Malawi comprises four dioceses:
Northern Malawi
Lake Malawi
Upper Shire
Southern Malawi
These dioceses correspond to Malawi’s four major political regions—Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern—and are coordinated by the Anglican Council in Malawi (ACM). The ACM was established in 1968, following the division of the Diocese of Nyasaland. It became legally incorporated in 1970 under the Trustees Incorporation Act. Initially formed to coordinate between two dioceses, ACM has evolved into the national secretariat and umbrella body for the entire Anglican Church in Malawi.
ACM plays a central role in guiding the church’s mission. Its functions include coordinating liturgical training, evangelism, development work, and partnerships. It also supports diocesan efforts to improve livelihoods through faith-based outreach and social services.
As part of its ongoing growth efforts, the Diocese of Lake Malawi has recently been divided into three separate dioceses. These structural developments are part of ACM’s broader vision towards becoming a fully established Anglican Province, marking a significant milestone in the growth of the Anglican Church in Malawi. Today, The Anglican Church has over 200 parishes, led by close to 220 clergy with a population of over 1 Million Christians across the country. Has a number of guilds including: Fathers Union, Mothers Union, Daughters of the King,St Agnes, St Veronica, Society of girls Brigade
