Maseru, Jul. 07– His Majesty King Letsie III has pledged his full support to the newly ordained Bishop of the Anglican Church of Lesotho (ACL), the Right Reverend Molemo Edwin Baatjies, saying he has been called by God to serve the Church.
Speaking during the ordination of the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Lesotho on Saturday, the King said Archbishop Baatjies was elected through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He expressed his joy that the Diocese had elected one of its own to lead the Church.
The King said he had been determined to see a new Bishop ordained for the Diocese of Lesotho and was grateful that Reverend Baatjies had reached this important milestone through God’s guidance.
He assured the Bishop of his unwavering support and encouraged him to carry out his responsibilities faithfully while the nation continues to pray for him.
King Letsie III also pledged the support of the Royal Family, saying they would stand by Bishop Baatjies just as they had supported all previous Archbishops of the Anglican Church of Lesotho.
He reminded the new Bishop that leadership is a calling to serve.
“Never forget that you have been called to serve. All of us who have been blessed with leadership positions are called to serve. Serve the Church with loyalty, compassion, love, integrity, honesty and faith,” the King said.
Archbishop Baatjies was born in Maseru District in 1965. He attended Boqate Primary School from 1975 to 1981 before enrolling at St. Joseph’s High School.
He obtained a Diploma in Theology from the National University of Lesotho (NUL) and later earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology from Cardiff University in the United Kingdom.
In 2012, he completed an Honours Degree in Theology at the University of the Free State, followed by a Master’s Degree in Theology from the same institution in 2016.
Throughout his ministry, Bishop Baatjies has served in several Anglican Church of Lesotho parishes. He began as a deacon at St. Agnes Parish in Berea before serving as Rector at St. James in Mantsonyane, St. Paul’s, St. Stephen’s and St. Mary’s parishes.
The Diocese of Lesotho has been led by several distinguished Bishops since its establishment. Bishop Baatjies succeeds a line of church leaders that includes Bishop John Arrowsmith Mound, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Bishop Stanley Mokuku, Bishop Andrew Duma, Bishop Joseph Mahapu Tsubella, Bishop Adam Mallane Taaso and Dr. Vicentia Kgabe.
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