Bishop Godfrey's Farewell Message

​The Rt. Rev. Godfrey Tawonezvi, founding bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Masvingo, Companion Diocese of the Diocese of Fond du Lac, retired March 25, 2022. He served the church for 28 years, 20 of them as a bishop. When appointed bishop in 2002, Bishop Godfrey started with three priests and now the diocese has 35.  There were initially two congregations, and the diocese now has 38 districts with 148 congregations.  Below is a farewell message he recently sent to the Diocese of Fond du Lac.

The Diocese of Masvingo entered into a companion relationship with the Diocese of Fond du Lac in 2016. Since then, we have journeyed together, praying for each other, sharing experiences and information, learning from each other and encouraging one another in the furtherance of God’s work in our respective Dioceses.

In 2019, my wife Albertina, Friar Fungayi and I had an opportunity to visit the Diocese of Fond du Lac. We really enjoyed the generous hospitality we received where ever we visited. We are profoundly grateful for the opportunity we got to meet and interact with some of the Clergy and Laity in the Diocese of Fond du Lac.

I appreciate the cordial relationship I had with Bishop Matt Gunter over the years. I personally learnt a lot from him as we interacted. It was also a pleasure to have communicated with the Lay Canon for Administration, Matthew Payne.

Let me express my gratitude and appreciation and that of the Diocese of Masvingo for your generous support over the past years. You supported many relief and developmental programmes in the Diocese of Masvingo. Allow me to mention the most recent lucrative dairy project at Christ The King Daramombe Mission you have supported. We are short of words to express our gratefulness for your generous donation which enabled us to fulfil our vision of establishing a dairy project in the Diocese.

As I retire I am aware that the three Episcopal Dioceses of Wisconsin are exploring possibilities of reuniting. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this process.

I retire with good memories of the companion relationship between our two Dioceses. I pray and hope that this companionship continues. 

I am appreciative of your prayers, support and fellowship during my Episcopal Ministry in the Diocese of Masvingo.

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you Grace and Peace (2 Cor 1:2).

With love and prayers
Bishop Godfrey Tawonezvi 

Bishop Godfrey (center) visited the Diocese of Fond du Lac in 2019 with his wife, Albertine (right) and Friar Fungayi (left). They are pictured here when they visited the Cathedral of St. Paul in Fond du Lac.