International

Chelmsford Diocese recognises the importance of international partnerships. There are four Diocesan Companionship Links, each with a Link Group:

• Kenya - This link began in 1979 with the Diocese of Mount Kenya East and its then bishop, David Gitari. That diocese has now divided into four: Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru and Mbeere. We have had exchange visits and have helped with buildings, such as the library at St Andrew’s College in Kabare, various street children projects and with clergy training. Various parish links are developing.
• Karlstad - This ecumenical link in Sweden stems from the Porvoo Agreement. A formal agreement began in 1997 and was renewed in 2001 and 2005. Numerous exchange visits have taken place with consultations on issues of common interest.
• Trinidad & Tobago - This link originated from the Partners in Mission work following the Lambeth Conference in 1978. Two small exchange visits in 2002 have laid the foundation for further cooperation.
• Romania - This link comes from the potential for mutual learning and enrichment with the Romanian Orthodox Church (who are the only Orthodox Church to recognise Anglican Orders). The first ever agreement between Anglican and Orthodox dioceses was signed in Chelmsford Cathedral in September 2002. Various exchanges have already happened. Funds have been raised for a hospital.

The International Group co-ordinates the development of these links and liases closely with the appropriate Mission Agencies. Their desire is to foster these four companionship links at diocesan level and to encourage parishes and deaneries to engage with world church issues through these and/or other direct contacts.

The following commitments come from the Diocesan Synod resolutions in March 2001:

1. Continue the development of our existing World Church links, subject to regular, five yearly reviews, and in partnership with PWM and the appropriate Anglican Mission Agencies.
2. Continue the Bishop’s Lent Appeal’s normal support for world church development projects.
3. Encourage parishes and deaneries to develop awareness of World Church issues through diocesan and/or locally developed links and the Mission Agencies.
Six curates and a youth worker with retired Archbishop Dr David Gitari on their trip to visit Chelmsford’s link dioceses of Embu and Kirinyaga in Kenya in March 2008.
4. Encourage regular World Church events in each Episcopal Area.
5. Include World Church and Anglican Communion awareness in diocesan training programmes.
6. Encourage the sharing of international expertise and resources already present within the diocese.

For further information on international matters please see the list of diocesan and mission agency contacts.

Useful guidelines for developing international links are available from the Anglican Communion Office at www.anglicancommunion.org and Partnership for World Mission at www.pwm-web.org.uk.

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