Thousands of jubilant Christians and many high level dignitaries, including the president of Botswana, His Excellency Lt. General Ian Khama Seretse Khama, and Archbishop of York John Sentamu attended the event.

“The church is called to challenge violence, injustice and oppression,” Sentamu said during his sermon. “We are also called to work for peace and reconciliation. Jesus died on the cross because he was challenging injustice, violence and oppression.”

He added: “All the power given to Jesus, in heaven and on earth has been given to the church to set free the oppressed and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Outgoing Bishop Trevor Mwamba wished the diocese well as he leaves for the United Kingdom. He said: “In your love and generosity, I have been transformed. I am much richer than [when] I came and may the Lord strengthen, guide and inspire you for the next 40 years.”

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, in a message read on his behalf by Sentamu, congratulated the Diocese of Botswana on its achievement.

He said, “This is a significant moment in the life of the Diocese of Botswana. It’s an opportunity not only to look back with thanks to all those who have contributed to make the Anglican Church in Botswana to be where it is today but also to celebrate the role of the church.”

“May the Diocese of Botswana continue to grow from strength to strength. I pray that you all be richly blessed, both as individual disciples and as Christian communities, as you seek to follow Christ and witness to the gospel in the world today.”

The first bishop of the diocese, the Rt. Rev. Shannon Mallory, described it as a “momentous” occasion. “It’s one of the most wonderful moments of my life,” he said. “It’s a fulfillment of a dream to see the diocese thriving as it is; my heart is overflowing with joy and thanksgiving to see the cathedral filled with people from all parts of the world.”

Pointing to huge trees within the cathedral yard, Mallory added: “It’s just hard to believe that it has been 40 years. All these trees were tiny little things when I left and this gives me a thrill that I never thought I would have.”

Young people turned out in large numbers. Ben Chebani, a young congregant at the cathedral who had drifted away from the church and later came back, said, “I guess this is the nature of the Anglicans. There is so much vibe and life.”

“I had grown out of the Anglican Church but I was challenged and renewed myself and came back to the church. Many people who are here today had gone to far away places but could just not afford to miss this event,” he said.

Archbishop Albert Chama of the Church of the Province Central Africa also joined other Christians in congratulating Botswana Anglicans. “It’s a great joy for us to join you in the great celebration of the 40^th Anniversary of this diocese. We thank God for your ministry and missions.”

The service, which was also attended by the Rev. Canon Kenneth Kearon, secretary general of the Anglican Communion, included the dedication of large stained glass windows in the Lady Chapel of the cathedral honoring the Anglican Communion.