Overseas links
Through our links with our companion dioceses, we aim to:
These links are an affirmation that Christians from different cultures and backgrounds share a common heritage of faith and worship. They provide an opportunity for schools, churches and communities in Rochester Diocese to form enriching relationships with Christians in other parts of the world. These individual connections are all very different and are constantly evolving as more visits take place and relationships increasingly translate into action and joint projects.
Estonia
Here we are linked under the Poorvoo Agreement with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Estonia, whose practices are in many ways similar to ours. There is an annual clergy conference each January in Estonia that Rochester clergy are warmly invited to join and made very welcome. Winter temperatures can be adventurous, falling to -25C and freezing the sea! As with our other links, there is much mutual enrichment. Memories of half a century of Soviet occupation are only just under the surface. Now Estonia is looking westwards and they deeply value their links with us. We are seeking to increase our parish links there. On the 19th of January 2016 Bishop James Langstaff of Rochester and Archbishop of Estonia Urmas Viilma have signed a Statement of Intent re-affirming the partnership between Rochester and the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church. Please download Statement of Intent in English or Statement of Intent in Estonian for more information. Harare, Zimbabwe
Kondoa,Tanzania
The Diocese of Kondoa was founded in 2001. The Bishop is Rt. Rev’d. Dr. Given Gaula, who was appointed in May 2012. Bishop Given and his wife, Rev’d Lilian Gaula have visited Rochester on a number of occasions and always inspire churches and individuals to support this fledgling Diocese in a wide variety of projects. Bishop James and Bridget also visit Kondoa as do several groups from churches and schools in Rochester each year. Mpwapwa, Tanzania
As we get to know one another we can support one another in prayer. WhatsApp, email, and visits help us keep in touch. Recent gifts and donations have helped provide school uniforms for girls, sanitation projects, water harvesting, internet connection, provision of new tires to essential vehicles. Opportunities to be part of the program are wide and varied, and our current links and friendship groups are all very different! This Diocesan link is overseen by Sylvie and Stephen Barbor who Chair the Mpwapwa Group – where those linked with Mpwapwa are invited to meet together 3 times a year. Click here to view the PowerPoint produced for the last meeting with the latest news from Mpwapwa Diocese. St Philip’s is an Anglican Theological College, located in Mpwapwa Diocese, serving the whole of Tanzania, and is very much part of our Mpwapwa link. The college prepares men and women for lay and ordained ministry, currently offering both residential and online courses up to the Diploma level. Situated close to Kongwa town on the opposite side of the Kiboriani mountain range to Mpwapwa town, it regularly hosts visiting teams from Rochester who enjoy the warm welcome and along the peaceful and beautiful setting of its Westgate Lodge. Friends in Mpwapwa have supported the development of the College and continue to sponsor students (currently fees start at £600pa for a 3-year Diploma course). Click here to view the PowerPoint with the latest news from St Philip’s. The Mpwapwa Bulletin produced 3 times a year, is mailed out to the “Friends of Mpwapwa”. Click here to read the latest edition. Financial donations are given through Rochester Diocese and are transferred to Mpwapwa and St Philip’s regularly, in compliance with Diocesan Guidelines drawn up to give both openness and accountability, and are overseen by the Mpwapwa Group Chairs. click here to download a Donation Form (this is our preferred method of giving for substantial donations) or make an online donation. Please contact Sylvie & Stephen Barbor at Mpwapwa.cdsg@gmail.com if you would like to receive regular updates by becoming a Friend of Mpwapwa, or find out more about how you, your parish, school, or community could become involved with Mpwapwa or St Philip’s. Key Contacts
|