About

Rooted in faith. Committed to service.

Who we are, what we believe, and why we serve communities across Zimbabwe.

Lutheran identity

We belong to the Evangelical Lutheran tradition, proclaiming salvation by grace through faith, grounded in Scripture and expressed through Word and Sacrament.

Our mission

Our Mission is to participate in God's reconciliation with the world through proclaiming the Gospel and Providing humanitarian aid, focusing on both Evangelism and Sustainable Community programs. We aim to become a self-supporting and self-propagating church that cares for the sick and suffering, empowers members through education, and works to overcome ignorance and superstition through its development services and hospitals.

Our vision

Transformed communities living in dignity, justice and hope.

The wider communion

As part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe, the Eastern Diocese is connected to the global Lutheran communion and its partners in mission and development.

Bishop serving communion to the Lutheran congregation

From the archives

Our history in photographs

Historic photograph of Mnene Hospital — Mnene Hospital

Historic photograph of early missionaries — Early missionaries

Historic photograph of Manama church in 1915 — Manama church, 1915

Historic photograph of evangelists in Gwanda — Evangelists in Gwanda

Historic photograph of Rev. Axel in 1903 — Rev. Axel, 1903

Historic photograph of a service at Manama Baobab — Manama Baobab service

Bishop's message

A message from Bishop Vushebwashe Mhaka

“Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome to the ELCZ Eastern Diocese website as we enter the final quarter of 2026. It is a joy and honor to serve as Bishop of this missionary diocese—spanning two deaneries and twenty-three parishes across six provinces of Zimbabwe. Our region, rich in diversity and opportunity, stands as a reminder of our mission: not only to preserve faith, but to proclaim it boldly through word and deed. Guided by the national vision to be a growing and efficiently managed church, we are called to renewed visibility, vitality, and commitment to evangelism. I invite every parish, leader, and believer to embrace this mission to listen deeply, speak prophetically, and serve generously. With prayerful leadership and unity in diversity, may we reflect the light of Christ in every corner of our diocese. In His Service...

— Bishop Vushebwashe Mhaka