Zambia and Bath & Wells mourn the loss of Bishop David Njovu

FLASHBACK: Late Bishop David Njovu and Canon Charley Thomas Kalluzhathil welcome Princess Ann at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka, Zambia on Wednesday, 26th September 2012 -PICTURE by Derrick Sinjela

By Rainbow Reporter

The Right Reverend Ruth Worsley, Bishop of Taunton was filled with great sadness that to share the news of the passing of the Right Reverend David Njovu, Bishop of the Diocese of Lusaka.

Bishop Ruth moaned, “I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Bishop David’s passing and on behalf of the diocese I have sent our love and prayers. I have fond memories of him from my consecration as Bishop of Taunton and greatly appreciated the very warm welcome and hospitality he extended when I visited Zambia.

“His was a life well lived, faithfully in the service of His Lord and Saviour. We give thanks for his life, his friendship and his example.  We join the church in Zambia in praying for Noreen and their family and for the people of the Diocese of Lusaka. He will be sadly missed not only in Zambia but here in the Diocese of Bath and Wells,” said Bishop Ruth,

Canon Jenny Humphreys says, “I have known Bishop David Njovu for over 20 years, since my first visit to Zambia in 2000 when he was the Dean of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka. He became Bishop in 2004 and has since made many visits to us in Bath & Wells. It was during a visit in 2015 that he represented the Zambian Church at the service in St Paul’s Cathedral where Bishop Ruth was consecrated as Bishop of Taunton.

“One of my dearest memories of Bishop David will always be when I was collated by him as a Canon of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, along with my good friend the Reverend John Kafwanka, during that same visit. The ceremony took place in St Mary Magdalene Church in Taunton, which is linked with Lusaka Cathedral. It was an honour then and will always remain so. May Bishop David rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Speaking during a requiem mass at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross, President Hakainde Hichilema described Bishop Njovu as a remarkable unifier and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“The Late Anglican Bishop of Lusaka David Njovu as a one who promoted unity and love. I am a beneficiary of Bishop Njovu’s Evangelical work. He lived the best life because he lived by the word of God and the diversity of churches represented at the funeral proves that Zambia is a united country, a situation that everyone must treasure,” said President Hichilema.

On his part, Health Minister painted Bishop Njovu as a champion in building a healthy Zambia, attested as the beloved leader died while on an anti- malaria programme in Solwezi, North-Western Province.

Bishop Njovu, was born on Tuesday, 31^st October, 1961, died on Tuesday, 26^th April, 2022 and was buried besides late Bishop Stephen Mumba at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Tuesday, 3^rd May, 2022.

Bishop Njovu is survived by wife, Noreen Njovu and four children; Gift, Mirriam, James,

Archbishop of the Province of Central Africa Albert Chama said Bishop Njovu took other people’s Ministries as his own due to his love for evangelism.

And, Anglican Diocese of Eastern Zambia Bishop William Mchombo said Bishop Njovu was a father figure who brought out the best in everyone that sought advice from him.

Speaking on behalf of the Anglican Diocese of Lusaka, Dean of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross Charley Thomas Kalluzhathil said the church has lost a humble servant, but his life will be celebrated.

Father Thomas said Bishop Njovu had 18 years’ experience working as a bishop, after succeeding late Bishop Leonard Mwenda and leaves behind many good lessons that church members should learn from him.

Bishop Njovu will be put to rest later today at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. – Anglican Diocese of Bath & Wells