On May 31, the Diocese of Rupert’s Land in Canada elected Reverend Naboth Manzongo, a Winnipeg-based priest originally from Zimbabwe, as its new bishop. Manzongo becomes the first Black and African-born bishop in the diocese, succeeding Bishop Geoffrey Woodcroft, who announced his retirement amid a terminal cancer diagnosis after signalling his departure in October 2024.

Reflecting on his election, Manzongo described his feelings as a mix of surprise and overwhelming emotion. He found himself questioning whether this role was truly the divine calling meant for him and expressed deep gratitude for the trust shown by the diocesan community.

The diocese, which spans parts of western Ontario and eastern Manitoba, including Winnipeg, will now benefit from Manzongo’s diverse background. His ministry began in Harare, Zimbabwe, where he was ordained as a deacon in 2008 and as a priest in 2009. He first served as a deacon and curate at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Avondale, later becoming the rector of St. Joseph’s in Dzivarasekwa from 2010 to 2015. Manzongo’s academic journey includes a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management from the University of Zimbabwe.

His educational path continued in North America at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin, where, from 2015 to 2017, he earned a Master’s degree concentrating on Theological Studies, Moral Theology, and Ethics, a period during which he also worked as a supply priest for The Episcopal Church. After a short return to Harare as rector of St. Paul’s, Marlborough, he relocated to Canada. In 2018, Manzongo became the incumbent of St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Dryden, Ontario, and in September 2024 he assumed leadership at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in downtown Winnipeg. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry in Leadership at Tyndale University.

As bishop, Manzongo plans to emphasize the importance of building bridges across the diocese. His vision includes nurturing relationships among clergy, congregants, and parishes while addressing recurring financial challenges by encouraging discipleship and faith-driven community support, rather than merely focusing on fundraising. Recognizing that many remote communities fear being overlooked, he is determined to travel to and engage with those more secluded parts of Rupert’s Land.

A foremost priority for Manzongo is the ongoing work of truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. He advocates shifting from verbal acknowledgments of Indigenous land to undertaking tangible initiatives. In support of this effort, the recent diocesan synod has tasked the council with reviewing a proposal to direct funds generated from property sales into a trust that benefits Indigenous communities.

Drawing on his experiences in both Africa and North America, Manzongo is well positioned to bridge cultural divides within the global Anglican Communion. He hopes to offer a perspective that challenges common misconceptions by shedding light on diverse viewpoints and promoting a deeper understanding between the Global South and North.

*With reference to an original report by Anglican News Canada, a ministry of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada. This version includes additional reporting and editorial refinement.*