Bishop Christopher has announced that the Rt Revd Cleophas Lunga – currently the the Bishop of Matabeleland in Zimbabwe – as the next Vicar of St Laurence, Catford.
Bishop Christopher said: “It will be a joy to welcome Bishop Cleophas and Soneni Lunga to the Diocese of Southwark and I am delighted that he has accepted my invitation to become the next Vicar of St Laurence, Catford – a vibrant parish community of faith which is greatly anticipating this new partnership in the Gospel. During his 15 years as Bishop of Matabeleland, Bishop Cleophas has forged close and mutually beneficial links with the Diocese of Southwark which has companion links with four of the five Anglican Dioceses in Zimbabwe. Please pray for the parish and also for Bishop Cleophas and Soneni as they prepare for this new phase of life and ministry.”
“As we step into a season of transition and change of scene, we do so with gratitude for the opportunity to serve,” added Bishop Cleophas. “It gives us a sense of renewed purpose. The new season holds the promise of a positive relational culture that galvanises people of diverse backgrounds. This is a promise that ought to be shared as it is central on momentum building on the work which the St. Laurence community is undertaking.”
Subject to the completion of the statutory requirements, Bishop Cleophas will be licensed as the new incumbent late Summer 2026.
About Bishop Cleophas
Bishop Cleophas has been married to his wife Soneni – who is President of the Mothers’ Union in Matabeleland – for more than 30 years. They have two grown-up children – Brian and Alison and one grandchild.
Having worked briefly for a legal firm, he was selected to study theology at the University of Zimbabwe and completed his ministerial formation at Bishop Gaul Anglican College in Harare. He was ordained deacon in 1993 and priest the following year. During his time as a curate at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Bulawayo, he obtained a degree in Theology from the University of South Africa.
After serving at the Cathedral for a period of five years, he was appointed Rector of All Saints parish – the first locally-trained person of colour to have been assigned to this position. In 2003, the family relocated to the United Kingdom when he became Team Vicar in the Diocese of Coventry. While serving there, he obtained a Master’s degree in Peace and Reconciliation through the University of Coventry. In 2009, he was bishop in his home diocese of Matabeleland.
