Join the conversation on rebuilding/developing partnerships across the Anglican Communion by emailing Diane Wright, diocesan global mission advocate.
The catechism of the Episcopal Church teaches that the mission of the church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. In our post-communion prayer, we pray: “Send us now into the world in peace… to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart.” How do we live into this mission in a global context? As we respond, we grow in our experience of God. Post-pandemic, churches across our Diocese are rebuilding relationships across the Anglican Communion that were interrupted and discerning next steps, while others are interested in forming new global partnerships.
If you are interested in revitalizing global partnerships within your parish and our diocese, sharing your global mission stories, and/or engaging in this conversation, contact Diane Wright, diocesan global mission advocate. Also, if you or members of your parish are travelling abroad on mission, please let Diane know so that you may be included on the global mission prayer list.
Secondary School desks donated to schools in Mwitikira, Tanzania, by St. Paul’s, Richmond, and the Diocese of Central Tanganyika.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Richmond – Joy in our Hearts
A global mission reflection by Thomas Smith.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Richmond has worked for 17 years to develop our partnership with the Diocese of Central Tanganyika (DCT) and the Village of Mwitikira, Tanzania. The depth of the relationship evidenced by DCT’s Bishop Dickson Chilongani and his wife Pendo’s recent four day stay in Richmond. Activities included visits to Richmond Hill, the Virginia Museum of Fine Art, Trail of the Enslaved, and the Valentine Museum. Bishop Chilongani and Mrs. Chilongani joined St. Paul’s parishioners for meals, and the Bishop preached at Sunday service. In April, one of the villagers’ top education priorities was realized with the arrival of 290 desks and chairs for the primary and secondary schools, tables and chairs for teachers, and a printer for the secondary school, made possible by St. Paul’s through generous donations, annual funding from St. Paul’s budget, the work of our Global Mission Committee (GMC) and DCT. Additional priorities identified by the village and GMC focus have included work on food sustainability including conservation agriculture and irrigation, education, and medical needs. A group of parishioners will be making an annual trip to DCT and Mwitikira in October to discuss and learn about DCT and village priorities for the coming year.