Diocese of Karonga Charts Path to Self-Sustainability
By Noel Chatepa
In line with the Diocese of Karonga’s vision to evolve into a self-sufficient entity, a Synodial Stakeholders Follow-Up Meeting was held on 11th April 2026 at Lusubilo Music Center Hall. The meeting brought together key diocesan stakeholders, including Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka, Deans, Chancery Staff, Diocesan Institution Heads, and members of the Laity Council. The primary focus was to discuss the progress made towards achieving the Diocese’s mission of self-sustainability.
Representatives from across the Diocese presented detailed reports covering Deaneries, Health and Educational Institutions, Pastoral and Caritas Commissions, and the Chancery. The reports outlined ongoing fundraising efforts and introduced fresh strategies aimed at reducing the Diocese’s dependence on external support. Running through all the discussions was the theme of synodality which is the idea that every member of the Church, from clergy to laity, shares responsibility for its growth and sustainability.
Bishop Mtumbuka described the meeting as a success that reinforced two main objectives: promoting unity in working together and advancing self-sustainability for both the Diocese and its institutions. Reflecting on previous meetings held in December 2025 that initially set these goals, he expressed satisfaction with current progress. “We listened to reports from our various institutions on how they have fared regarding synodality but also in regards to initiatives for self-sustainability,” said Bishop Mtumbuka. “I am very satisfied with these reports; they show that people within our institutions are committed to working collaboratively toward financial independence.”
Janet Mhango, Publicity Secretary of the Diocesan Laity Council Fundraising Committee, shared insights into future plans following this meeting. She explained that their committee will conduct a thorough study assessing the sustainability of existing fundraising efforts across diocesan institutions and parishes. “After completing this study and validating its findings,” Mhango stated, “the committee will present its report first to the Diocesan Laity Council and subsequently to Bishop Mtumbuka for approval.” She added that once finalized, this document will be disseminated throughout the Diocese including religious leaders, laity members, and institutional heads to serve as a guiding framework supporting ongoing efforts toward greater self-sufficiency.
