The Diocese of Masasi in Historical Context

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In this the first of six articles examining the results of the December 2024 Masasi Survey, we consider its findings in their historical context as articulated by our friend Simon Stubbings in his study of the evolution of the Anglican church in Tanzania.

Each article in the series explores how the survey findings intersect with the lived experiences of Anglicans in this rural Tanzanian diocese, providing insights into faith, leadership, and community life.

The six articles in this series are:

The Diocese in Historical Context (this article)
Tradition and Modern Faith: Navigating Continuity and Change
Episcopal versus Congregational: A Reflection on Church Leadership and Governance
Liberal versus Conservative: Navigating Theology and Practice in the Diocese of Masasi
Attitudes to Finance: Stewardship and Sustainability in the Diocese of Masasi
Faith and Belonging Across Communities

Background

Simon Stubbings was a friend of our diocese and visited us as part of his research for his doctoral thesis, ultimately published as A Real Presence in Africa: Anglo-Catholicism and Colonial Rule. Relations between the Universities Mission to Central Africa and the British state in Tanganyika, 1860’s – 1960’s (A Real Presence).

A Real Presence explores, inter alia, the history and legacy of the Universities’ Mission to Central Africa (UMCA), examining its theological foundations, its approach to mission. Stubbings highlights the ways in which the UMCA’s Anglo-Catholic heritage shaped worship, education, and healthcare, as well as how the mission engaged with local cultures and navigated tensions with colonial authorities. His work is worth reading in full for those interested in understanding the deep historical roots of the Diocese of Masasi.

This article uses A Real Presence as a foundational text to explore how the Diocese of Masasi continues to embody and adapt these traditions in a modern context. By drawing on recent survey data from 2024, we examine how historical priorities—such as sacramental worship, financial sustainability, and social mission—remain relevant today. Through this, we seek to understand how the diocese honors its past while evolving to meet contemporary challenges.

Introduction

The Diocese of Masasi stands as a living testament to the enduring legacy of the Anglo-Catholic missionary movement in Africa. Established through the work of the UMCA, it reflects the principles of sacramental worship, pastoral care, and social engagement that characterised the UMCA’s efforts from its inception in the mid-19th century. A Real Presence documents the UMCA’s foundational work, particularly its emphasis on integrating sacramental worship with education and healthcare to create holistic Christian communities.

This essay examines how the Diocese of Masasi continues to embody these historical values while adapting to the challenges of modern times. It explores the diocese’s structure, its financial evolution, and its role as both a spiritual and social anchor for its congregants. By weaving together its history and current practices, this paper demonstrates how the diocese remains relevant and vital to its communities while offering insights for Christian organisations worldwide.

Historical Foundations

The UMCA Vision

The UMCA was born out of the Oxford Movement, a revival within the Church of England emphasizing the Church’s Catholic heritage, apostolic roots, and sacramental life. Led by figures such as John Henry Newman and Edward Pusey, the movement championed the Church as a divine institution entrusted with Christ’s mission on earth. These principles informed the UMCA’s missionary endeavours in East Africa, which began in 1859 under Bishop Charles Mackenzie.

Key to the UMCA’s vision was the belief that evangelism should go hand-in-hand with education, healthcare, and cultural respect. The mission sought to create Christian communities that reflected local traditions while adhering to the universal principles of the Catholic faith. This commitment to integration and inclusivity set the UMCA apart from many contemporaneous missionary societies.

The UMCA brought these principles to Tanganyika (now Tanzania), where they established missions that sought to build self-sustaining Christian communities rather than merely converting individuals. One of the early missions evolved into the Diocese of Masasi.

Unlike many other missionary societies of the time, the UMCA was not closely tied to colonial administration. Instead, it followed an incarnational model, aiming to embed Christianity within local cultures rather than imposing radical structural changes.

This commitment to cultural adaptation was evident in early efforts to integrate African traditions into Christian rites. Bishop Lucas sought to incorporate jando initiation rites into Christian ceremonies, though this met with resistance from colonial authorities. The debate over cultural integration remains relevant today, as we will explore through contemporary survey responses.

The Structure of the Diocese

Overview of the Hierarchy

The Diocese of Masasi operates through a five-tiered structure: Diocese, Deaneries, Parishes, Churches, and Informal Gatherings. At the apex, the bishop provides spiritual and administrative oversight, supported by a central office staff responsible for governance, finance, and program implementation. Below the diocese, 11 deaneries coordinate regional activities, bridging the gap between the central office and the grassroots. The 50 parishes, in turn, oversee 228 churches, with informal gatherings forming the foundational level of community worship and outreach.

This hierarchical structure reflects the UMCA’s emphasis on episcopal authority and sacramental theology, ensuring that the Church remains both unified and responsive to local needs.

Administrative Apparatus

The diocese’s administrative apparatus includes the Diocesan Synod, which sets strategic priorities, and a network of Rural Deans, parish priests, and catechists who oversee local ministry. Lay leaders play a vital role in bridging spiritual and operational needs, particularly in rural parishes where resources are limited.

Financial Framework

Early missionary work relied heavily on external funding from Britain, with support coming from Anglo-Catholic networks and, later, the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (USPG) after its merger with the UMCA in 1965. This financial dependence enabled the diocese to establish schools, dispensaries, and infrastructure but created vulnerabilities as UK-based support waned in the 20th century.

Today, the Diocese of Masasi is working to shift from dependency to self-reliance through the Masasi Stewardship Strategy, which encourages tithing among congregants. This initiative aims to generate sustainable local income, allowing the diocese to cover operating expenses and reinvest in its institutions.

Forms of Religious Observance

The UMCA’s sacramental focus left a lasting imprint on the Diocese of Masasi. From its emphasis on the Eucharist as the centerpiece of worship to its commitment to social service, the diocese has maintained the theological and pastoral priorities of its founders. This legacy continues to shape its liturgical practices, community outreach, and leadership development initiatives.

Masasi’s worship practices also exemplify the Anglican Communion’s shared theological principles, as outlined in the Lambeth Quadrilateral: Scripture, the Creeds, the sacraments, and the historic episcopate. These unify the diocese with Anglican communities worldwide, even amid current tensions in the Communion.

Modern Adaptations and Practices

In 2024, the diocese launched the Masasi Survey Project. This is a long-term project that will periodically survey congregations to understand their lived experience of Christianity within the Diocese of Masasi.

The first survey was conducted in December 2025. Its results (available here) provides insight into how these historical priorities continue to resonate or have evolved.

This section analyses key themes from the survey, linking them to the UMCA’s founding mission.

Sacramental and Liturgical Practices

The UMCA brought high-church Anglicanism to Africa, emphasising the Eucharist, processions, and the veneration of saints. The survey shows that these traditions remain central in Masasi today:

92% of respondents attend church at least weekly, affirming the importance of communal worship.
85% would agree that worship in their church is directly connected to their daily life.

These findings echo challenges faced by the UMCA, which had to continually teach and reinforce the importance of sacramental theology.

Cultural Integration: Balancing Tradition and Adaptation

The UMCA, guided by Anglo-Catholic principles, sought to establish a universal Christian community in Tanganyika that transcended racial and national divisions. Their belief in apostolic succession and the authority of bishops underpinned their mission. They adopted an "incarnational" approach, seeking to embed Christianity within local societies rather than imposing radical structural change.

This effort to contextualise Christianity within African traditions was seen in Bishop Lucas’ efforts to incorporate traditional teenage initiation rites of jando and unyago into Christian practice.

However, survey results suggest that these efforts did not take hold in Masasi over the long term, with around 70% of respondents disagreeing that “elements of jando and unyago should be incorporated into confirmation services”.

This suggests that while the UMCA attempted to integrate these cultural practices, they did not become widely accepted within the diocese. The results indicate a strong preference for maintaining a distinct Anglican identity in sacramental practice, reinforcing the diocese’s commitment to its Anglo-Catholic roots while engaging with local traditions in other ways.

Education and Leadership Development

The UMCA played a central role in literacy and leadership development, founding schools to educate both clergy and lay leaders. For instance, St. Andrew’s College in Zanzibar and its relocation to Minaki in Tanganyika fostered a generation of leaders who influenced both colonial governance and the nationalist movement. The UMCA’s focus on education helped create a "seedbed" for the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU), which led to the country’s independence.

The UMCA’s emphasis on education as a tool for both spiritual and national leadership remains a priority for the diocese today. Survey data highlights strong congregational support for schools.

Diocese institutions like Rondo Junior Seminary and the planned St. Catherine’s Girls’ School reflect a direct continuation of the UMCA’s vision for equipping future leaders through education through Christian principles.

Healthcare and Social Mission

Medical missions were integral to the UMCA, and the survey suggests that healthcare remains important for the people diocese but, interestingly, not as much as education. The diocese still manages a handful of dispensaries, though these are always in need of subsidy.

Financial Sustainability

Historical Stewardship

The UMCA initially relied on external funding from British Anglo-Catholic networks. After merging with the SPG in 1965 to form the USPG, external financial support continued but gradually declined.

In common with many dioceses that evolved out of mission stations, the Diocese of Masasi has relied on external support from UK missionary societies and UK and US churches. However, with the decline in UK church attendance and reduced external funding, there is a pressing need to cultivate local financial stewardship.

Contemporary Stewardship

Today, the Diocese of Masasi is working to transition from dependency to self-reliance through the Masasi Stewardship Strategy, which encourages local tithing. Survey results reveal respondents are happy to make financial contributions for the long-term financial sustainability of the diocese.

This transition mirrors the UMCA’s long-term goal of fostering an autonomous, self-supporting Church, though economic realities present difficulties.

The strategy aims to engage local congregations in taking financial responsibility for their church, ensuring long-term sustainability. If successful, this blueprint could serve as a model for other dioceses facing similar challenges.

This initiative reflects a significant shift from past practices, emphasising the importance of local engagement and self-sufficiency. It also highlights the diocese's proactive approach to adapting to changing circumstances while maintaining its mission and vision.

It is interesting to see the issues of the diocese mirrored in the dioceses in the USA, as discussed in this article in the Living Church, the online journal edited by our friend Rev. Mark Michael of St. Francis, Potomac. The article discusses how different dioceses in the USA approach the ‘assessments’ (financial contributions) from their parishes.

Our aim by the end of 2025 is to generate at least $5,000 per month through tithing. Our data from 2024 suggest that this is achievable and the survey results reinforce this confidence.

By fostering a culture of stewardship within its congregations, the Diocese of Masasi is not only securing its financial future but also empowering its members to take an active role in the church's mission. This approach aligns with the diocese's broader development work, which includes initiatives in health, education, and community empowerment.

The Masasi Stewardship Strategy represents a forward-thinking response to generational changes within the global church, aiming to build a sustainable and self-reliant future for the Diocese of Masasi.

Challenges and Opportunities

Financial Sustainability

The diocese has historically relied on external funding, mainly from the UK. However, as UK church attendance and financial support decline, sustainability has become an urgent priority. Without a strong local financial base, it is difficult to maintain clergy salaries, parish infrastructure, and social outreach programs. Rural parishes, in particular, face economic hardship, making it harder to contribute consistently to diocesan funds.

In response, the Masasi Stewardship Strategy is fostering a culture of financial self-reliance. The diocese is rolling out financial education initiatives, creating alternative giving structures suited to rural economies, and strengthening accountability in parish finances. If fully realised, this strategy will not only ensure sustainability but also serve as a model for other dioceses.

Engagement with Worship and Tradition

While worship remains central to diocesan life, generational shifts pose a challenge to maintaining engagement. Many younger congregants express difficulty connecting with traditional liturgy, and some view aspects of worship as overly formal. Ensuring that services remain spiritually enriching for all age groups is essential for long-term growth.

To address this, the diocese is strengthening catechetical instruction. Clergy are also engaging directly with younger congregants to explore how worship can remain spiritually fulfilling without compromising its theological depth.

Cultural Integration

Historically, the UMCA sought to integrate local traditions into Christian life, yet this approach has not always endured. Bishop Lucas attempted to incorporate jando and unyago into Christian rites, but today, many within the diocese prefer to maintain a clear distinction between Anglican sacraments and cultural rites.

Survey results show that 70% of respondents disagree with incorporating elements of jando and unyago into Confirmation, and 70% reject the idea that these practices are traditional equivalents of Confirmation. This suggests a strong preference for maintaining a distinct Anglican identity in sacramental practice.

Recognizing this, the diocese is focusing on respectful dialogue rather than direct incorporation of cultural rites. While upholding Anglican sacramental theology, clergy are engaging with community elders to ensure that local traditions are understood and respected within a Christian framework.

Education and Leadership Development

As the diocese grows, it must continue developing strong leaders, both ordained and lay, to serve the Church. However, financial constraints threaten the expansion of key institutions, and many congregants lack access to formal theological training.

Education remains a top diocesan priority, with 88% of respondents identifying it as a core mission of the Church. However, limited resources make it challenging to expand theological training programs or invest in new schools.

Strong Christian values that are central to the diocese boys’ school, Rondo Junior Seminary, and will for St. Catherine’s Girls’ School. Scholarships and sponsorships are being developed to support students in from within the diocese, ensuring a new generation of clergy and lay leaders.

Healthcare

The diocese’s historic commitment to healthcare remains crucial, but financial difficulties threaten the sustainability of dispensaries and medical programs. Ensuring continued access to healthcare is vital, especially in rural areas where government services are limited.

The diocese is strengthening partnerships with healthcare organisations and seeking new funding sources to sustain and expand its dispensary network. In alignment with the UMCA’s legacy of integrating faith and healing, these efforts will help ensure that the Church continues to serve both the spiritual and physical needs of the community.

Social Mission

The Diocese of Masasi has a long history as a local partner for development initiatives and has build up significance experience and expertise. However, this role of local partner has meant that the diocese can only discharge its social mission where they act as agent of international NGOs.

The Diocese of Masasi Development Organisation (DMDO) and its WASH+ approach to poverty alleviation aims to discharge the church’s long-established priority to serve the least among us by positioning itself as principal rather than agent, waiting to be chosen to implement time-limited projects at the discretion of other organisations. The DMDO have developed a business model that should position it to make a compelling offer to donors so that it can be a financially self-sufficient department within the diocese that can fulfil the social mission of the diocese.

The Value of the Masasi Survey Project

To lead effectively within the episcopal tradition, the diocese must understand its congregations. The 2024 Masasi Survey Project has provided invaluable data, offering a clear picture of challenges, strengths, and areas for growth. With this knowledge, Church leadership can make informed decisions that respond to real community needs rather than assumptions.

By embracing a data-driven approach, the diocese is taking proactive steps to shape a dynamic, responsive, and sustainable future. The survey will serve as a foundation for long-term strategic planning, ensuring that Masasi remains a thriving centre of faith and service for generations to come.

Conclusion: A Modern Diocese Rooted in a Rich Heritage

The UMCA was ultimately absorbed into the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (USPG) in 1965, and its direct missionary presence faded. However, its Anglo-Catholic vision continues to shape the Diocese of Masasi, providing a legacy of sacramental worship, education, healthcare, and social mission that still endures today. The diocese stands as a living expression of this heritage, integrating traditional Anglican spirituality with modern realities.

As the challenges of financial sustainability, cultural engagement, and leadership development persist, the Diocese of Masasi is responding with dynamic initiatives such as the Masasi Stewardship Strategy and the Masasi Survey Project. These efforts reflect a commitment to self-reliance, pastoral leadership, and informed decision-making, ensuring that the Church remains both historically grounded and future-focused.

The survey has provided valuable insights into how the diocese’s congregants experience faith today, allowing leadership to guide them effectively within the episcopal tradition. By embracing these findings, the diocese demonstrates the very spirit of adaptation that defined the UMCA’s mission from the beginning.

As we approach the Centenary of the Diocese of Masasi, we celebrate not only our past but also our future. The legacy of the UMCA is not confined to history books—it lives on in our churches, our schools, our dispensaries, and in the faith of our people. In this, the Diocese of Masasi stands as a beacon of the enduring strength of Anglo-Catholic Christianity in Africa.

We remain grateful for the prayers and support of our partners. As we continue this journey, we invite all who share in our mission to walk with us. In early January, we will extend invitations to our Centenary celebrations, and we hope you will join us in marking this historic milestone.

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