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The East of Lake Victoria Diocese (ELVD) is one of the 20 Dioceses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT). The Diocese covers a total area of about 85,952 sq km in Mwanza and Shinyanga regions. The data, though needed to be revised, indicates that this area that covers 16% of the country population, 92% of that population belongs to traditional religions. Actually, it is within this population where the witchcraft and superstition are widely practiced. Despite modern technology, human rights, justices and judiciary in the country, aged people especially women are victims of the killings that resulting from the witchcraft practices.
Historically, East of Lake Victoria Diocese came into being in may 14 1989 from by then the Central Synod, now the Central Diocese of ELCT, with seven parishes. Today, the diocese serves 72 parishes with 304 congregations and total number of 62,000 Lutheran members (2004: 34 parishes, 167 congregations and 47,000 members). This indicates that though ELVD is one of the youngest Dioceses in ELCT, but with high Christian growth rate than other areas. The diocese has recently witnessed a contribution from mission training centres to this growth.
The ELVD Head Quarter is situated in Mwanza, which is the second largest City in Tanzania located on the heart of Lake Victoria about 1,200 km north west of Dar-es-Salaam the capital of Tanzania. Mwanza, also is near to other cities/capitals of East Africa – Nairobi in Kenya – Kampala in Uganda – Kigali in Burundi – Bujumbura in Rwanda. Mwanza is also near to the Serengeti National Park.
ELVD is committed herself to serve the people holistically; Spiritually, Physically and Mentally. We welcome all Mission agencies churches and even individual people who are interested in serving the people of God. The door is open.
Let us serve the Lord!
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