Work to nurture and grow global relationships through our network of Link Dioceses has been endorsed by Synod.
Members affirmed and celebrated those links by approving the following recommendations aimed at strengthening and growing our international engagement, overseen by a new Companion Link Steering Group.
This group will enable the holding of a ‘Companion Link weekend’ as part of the 10th anniversary commemoration, to celebrate all that has been and encourage interest, prayer and support for our links.
It will also pursue the exploration of a new link with the Province of Hong Kong, plus broadening and deepening of our links in Pakistan by exploring links with areas that are already connected with West Yorkshire.
The group will support maintenance of the links in Europe through the gathering of them into one, the reestablishment of a relationship with The Episcopal Church (TEC) in South West Virginia and arranging of a senior visit to Sudan as soon as it is safe to do so.
Speaking ahead of the motion, the Very Revd Andy Bowerman, Dean of Bradford said:
“We in The Diocese of Leeds want to continue to learn how to be the people of God in the UK whilst being connected to the worldwide church through the Anglican Communion. Rejoice and suffering together. This is in part because when the Gospel crosses cultural boundaries an essential dynamism of the work of Christ is opened up.
“We here in Yorkshire cannot fulfil the calling God has for us unless we are influenced, challenged, known and loved by Christians from other cultures. Building up those relationships is, therefore, an essential part of our joining in the mission of God. Because we do mission together.
“We want to celebrate all the ways we have grown because of these links over many years. However, where there is no longer a clear commitment to active engagement or meaningful partnership from the link or where actions of a particular diocese are problematic then the link should be reviewed. Whatever the outcome of a review this does not preclude individuals, parishes or schools from developing friendships.”
Synod member Jane Evans (Halifax and Calder Valley) spoke of the shared benefits the link with Tanzania: “It’s not that we are the privileged ones just hleping those less privileged – it’s a two way relationship which is so enriching as a contribution to our own cultural development and prayer life.”
Revd Anne Russell, Team Rector at Seacroft and Co-chair of the Sudan Link said how money to pay clergy stipends had now reached the war-torn country after months of effort and showed how Links were supported at grassroot parish level: “It’s not all about money, but sometimes it is,” Revd Anne said.
The Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford, praised the breadth and depth of the Links in the Diocese of Leeds and said it enabled people to experience a global “mini-Anglican community” of great value.