This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
Kenyan Becomes First Bishop of New Zealand Anglican Diocese ¶
Reverend Steve Maina, a Kenyan national, has been ordained as the new bishop of the Anglican Diocese in Nelson, New Zealand, replacing Bishop Richard Ellena who retired in 2018.
According to a report by Sunday Star Times, Maina was ordained on Saturday, August 31, 2019, in a colourful function attended by top Anglican church leaders in New Zealand.
Before his appointment, Maina served as the head of the New Zealand Church Missionary Society, a position he took up in 2009 after moving to New Zealand with his family.
As the first Kenyan bishop to serve in a predominantly white diocese, Maina has expressed his commitment to helping both the church and wider community learn to welcome newcomers to the region.
Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit of Kenya's Anglican church congratulated Maina on his new appointment and wished him the very best as he takes over the mantle as a bishop.
Kiharu MP Ndindi, a cousin to Maina, also commended the preacher for his milestone in church service and leadership.
"Congratulations to Bishop Steve Maina on his consecration and enthronement as the 11th Ordinary of the Diocese of Nelson in New Zealand," Archbishop Ole Sapit posted on his Facebook page.
"Congratulations Cousin. The spirit of Grandpa Canon Felix Nyoro lives on. We are African and Africa is our Business," Ndindi said in a Facebook post.
