Throughout last week (10 -16 November), Bishop Jonathan and parishes around the Diocese were delighted to welcome the Bishop of Harare, the Rt Rev Dr Farai Mutamiri.
Photo: Bishop Farai (centre) with the Rev Christine Allen, Coordinator of the Overseas Companion links, and Christine's husband
The Diocese of Harare in Zimbabwe is one of three Anglican overseas dioceses with which the Diocese of Rochester enjoys flourishing companion links.
The other links are the Anglican Dioceses of Kondoa and Mpwapwa in Tanzania. We also have an ecumenical friendship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Estonia.
These links provide an opportunity for schools, churches and communities in Rochester Diocese to form enriching relationships with Christians in other parts of the world.
Photo: Bishop Jonathan speaking at the Annual Overseas Celebration Service in 2024
Each of the links is overseen by a committee, run by dedicated and passionate volunteers, each of whom use their own time and talents to facilitate and foster parish links, and share the mutual joy and enrichment that parishes in Rochester Diocese those overseas can gain from linking and partnering together.
During his visit, Bishop Farai enjoyed a full week of parish engagements and enjoyed meeting with the many churches who have connections with parishes in his own diocese, starting with Holy Communion at St Johns, Higham.
On Tuesday, Bishop Farai joined the Bishop’s Leadership Team, where he was able to share with them something of the joys and challenges facing the Church and wider society in Zimbabwe.
He also explained some of the Diocese of Harare’s plans to develop more church schools.
This was followed later that evening with a supper hosted at Bishopscourt, for some 20 people who have links with Harare.
At All Saints with Christ Church, Snodland, Bishop Farai attended their regular coffee morning which is open for the community for hot drinks and health checks - a service provided by five local GPs.
There was a stop too at St Margaret's Church, Rainham, where the Rev Nathan Ward hosted a one to one interview with Bishop Farai as well as a visit to the local school.
The visit culminated in the Overseas Link Celebration Service at St Nicholas, Strood, on the Saturday, which over 60 people attended to celebrate and give thanks.
During the service Bishop Farai was presented with several gifts including much needed clergy collars and a donated silver Holy Communion set.
To complete his week in the Diocese, Bishop Farai joined Bishop Jonathan for a service at the Cathedral and later, a Confirmation Service at St Paul’s, Beckenham.
Any parish interested in exploring how they might nurture an overseas link should contact: coordinator.cdsg@gmail.com