On Thursday, July 31, The Rt. Rev. Alinafe Kalemba, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Southern Malawi, gathered with clergy of the Northwest Convocation for a dinner hosted by Holt and Debbie Getterman in Waco.
Guests included area deacons, priests, aspirants, and postulants, with parishes represented from St. Joseph’s, Salado; Christ Church, Mexia; St. Alban’s, Waco; St. Paul’s, Waco; and St. Francis, Temple.
During the evening, Bishop Kalemba shared stories from his ministry in Malawi, highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing the church. He noted that this year, the Diocese of Southern Malawi became the first Anglican diocese in Central Africa to approve the ordination of women—a historic step toward expanding the church’s mission and leadership. Expressing solidarity with Texans after recent devastating floods, he reflected on the similar struggles faced by many parishes in Malawi, which have endured catastrophic flooding in recent years.
The bishop’s visit to Waco is part of a multi-day trip to the United States, hosted by The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman, rector of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Waco. The visit aims to deepen ties between the two dioceses and explore new opportunities for collaboration. While in Central Texas, Bishop Kalemba will meet with local non-profits, visit Baylor University, and spend time at a local ranch. He is also engaging with members of St. Alban’s to begin planning a 2026 pilgrimage to the Diocese of Southern Malawi.
For more than two decades, St. Alban’s has partnered with its sister parish, All Saints, Nambiti, currently led by The Rev. Matthews Nyenje. The two congregations support each other in prayer, remain in regular communication, and work together on projects that strengthen their communities. Over the years, St. Alban’s has welcomed visitors from Malawi, supported building projects and micro-enterprise efforts, and sent parishioners to serve and learn alongside their Malawian partners.
Following his time in Waco, Bishop Kalemba will travel to St. David’s in Austin; The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee; and a parish in the Diocese of New York, continuing a journey dedicated to building relationships and sharing the Good News across the Anglican Communion.
