Who are we?

The Order' of Ethiopia (iBandla lamaTopiya) was an African religious group from the Methodist Church which originated from the Ethiopian movement started by 18th century African theologians such as Tiyo Soga, Nehemiah Tile, Mzimba, Mangena Mokoena, James Mata Dwane and others. After trying to associate themselves with the African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.) in search of establishing an authentic African Church, they ended up forming relations with the Anglican Church of the Province of Southern Africa, It was founded and initially led by James Mata Dwane. Dwane left the A.M.E church as he did not feel his episcopal status was valid, and thus along with the likes of M. Mpumlwane and Nehemiya Tile left the church. They sought talks with the Church of the Province and in 1900 a compact was signed by the seven bishops of the province to be in communion with the Ethiopian Church. This involved a decision to consecrate bishops, priest and deacons for the Order.