Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe
The Church of Sweden became an independent church in 1963 as the Evangelical Lutheran Church now known as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ). As such, it took over administration of all work (including the missions) previously directed by CSM. Jonas Shiri was consecrated as the first African bishop in 1975.
- 29.05.1979
- 24.04.1980
The “struggle for liberation” in the late 1970’s seriously impacted ELCZ schools, causing many to close (some were destroyed). All Swedish missionaries were withdrawn by the Church of Sweden in 1976. The schools were re-opened post independence in 1980. As of 2006, ELCZ had 134,000 members, the vast majority of which are in the southern part of the country. The church runs a number of schools, four hospitals and a nursing school.
References
- Sweden and National Liberation in Southern Africa – Tor Sellström
- The History of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe 1903 – 2003 (pdf) – Hugo Söderström, Sten Bergman and Tore Bergman
- World Council of Churches
- www.elcz.co.zw
- www.svenskakyrkan.se
Contributors
- Mark Loomis