The Zanzibar Diocese, one of the Dioceses of Anglican Church of Tanzania, was established as an independent Diocese in 2001 from Tanga Diocese established as far back as 1892. The Diocese covers the Zanzibar archipelago which comprises of Unguja and Pemba islands occupying an area of 1458 square kilometers sq km and 900 square kilometers respectively. Zanzibar Diocese is one of the smallest Anglican communities in the world with a congregation of approximately 2500 Anglicans in a predominantly Muslim society (99% Muslims).
There are 10 clergy and six Parishes, five in Unguja Island and only one in Pemba. The Diocesan headquarters is located at Kiungani, adjacent to the former St John’ Secondary School ruins.
The Diocese boasts of many historical and religious interests. One example being the abolition of slave trade and the establishment of Christianity in East Africa, with the main cathedral built at the site of the former slave market.
The Diocese supports different development projects that include the Diocese Education Scheme for youth Christians, Staff and clergy, HIV/AIDS prevention and impact mitigation in the church congregation and other communities, the Heifer project for poor rural farmers, community schools such as St Barnabas Mahonda nursery school and St Monica nursery and primary school to mention but a few. Most of the development projects of the Diocese and its Parishes work closely with the Islamic community. The community projects set a platform for the social propagation of the gospel and also build and strengthen the interfaith relationships on the island.