Julius Makoni
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Julius Makoni was a banking executive in the City of London, who left his role in order to serve as an Anglican bishop in Zimbabwe.[1] He was Bishop of Manicaland from 2009 to 2015.[2] He subsequently returned to banking, with a position at the International Monetary Fund.[3][2]
Makoni had a successful career in banking. After roles with Morgan, Grenfell & Co., and then the World Bank Group, he moved to HSBC, where he held the position of Senior Adviser (emerging markets and principal investments).[4] During this appointment he began studying theology, ultimately returning to university to obtain a theology diploma from the University of Cambridge. He was ordained as a deacon in 2008, and as a priest in 2009, serving in the Church of England.[4]
Appointment as Bishop
After only two weeks in office as a priest, Makoni was invited to become the Bishop of Manicaland, in Zimbabwe.[4] The speed of progression from priesthood to episcopate is a record in modern times, and brought widespread commentary at the time.[1] Makoni reports that some commentators drew parallels with the story of St Ambrose, a 4th-century Bishop of Milan whose own progression within the church hierarchy was similarly rapid.[4] Makoni held the position of Bishop of Manicaland for six years, during a time of significant reconciliation and restructuring of the diocese, which was recovering from schism and state interference before Makoni's appointment.[3] He resigned the role in 2015, in order to return to banking.[3]
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