Bishop Mission Order

Okusinza mu Luganda welcomed into the Diocese

On Sunday 4 March, a 21 year journey came to an end when the Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, inaugurated the Bishop's Mission Order which formally recognised Okusinza mu Luganda (To Worship in Luganda) as part of the Church of England in Southwark Diocese. At the same service, the Revd Dr Godfrey Kaziro was licensed as leader of the new congregation.

Okusinza mu Luganda or OmL held its first Church of England services in the Luganda language in 1991, moving to St John's Waterloo in 1996.In 2008 OmL applied for a Bishop's Mission Order from Southwark Diocese to secure formal recognition of their worship as a fresh expression of church.

Canon Giles Goddard, Priest-in-Charge of St John's, Waterloo said:

"St John's welcomes the strengthening of our relationship with Okusinza Church. The Bishop's Mission Order is a mark of the partnership between us, a celebration of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and a promise of new things to come."

Dr Godfrey Kaziro said:

"After a long journey, our aim of recognition by the Church of England has been achieved. We look forward eagerly to continuing our partnership of worship in love and faith with St. John's, Waterloo."

Note: The congregation of Okusinza mu Luganda is over 400 strong, mostly aged between 25-45, and meets monthly at St John's Church opposite Waterloo Station. Volunteers run a lively Sunday School for 3-10 year olds. Outside the monthly service, congregation members are able to provide social and spiritual support to other members.

A Bishop's Mission Order is a legal device in the Church of England created as part of the 'Dioceses, Pastoral and Mission Measure'. It enables a bishop to legally recognise a mission initiative that will lead to a new Christian community - a fresh expression of church.