The Bishop of Whitby, the Rt Revd Paul Ferguson and the Bishop of Selby, the Rt Revd Dr John Thomson, will be visiting clergy and churches in South Africa from 26th September to 4th October. The Diocese of York has a long relationship with the church in South Africa, and is twinned with the Dioceses of False Bay, Saldanha Bay, and Cape Town.
Bishop Paul will be visiting the Diocese of False Bay, accompanied by the Diocese’s Lay Training Advisor the Revd Angela Bailey, and the Revd Pauline Percy, curate at Kirklevington and Crathorne. Bishop Paul, Angela and Pauline will visit diocesan projects, rural communities in the Diocese, and the prison where Nelson Mandela spent his last months in captivity. They will take part in the Diocese’s Ordination service and lead a lay training day and two clergy training seminars.
Bishop Paul said, “This will be my first visit to Cleveland’s link diocese of False Bay, returning the visit of Bishop Margaret Vertue who was here a few months ago. I am very pleased that Canon Angela Bailey and the Revd Pauline Percy will form a team with me, bringing their special gifts including expertise in education and training. I look forward to joining the ranks of people from the Diocese of York who have been inspired and learned much from being with our partners in South Africa.”
Bishop John will be visiting the Diocese of Saldanha Bay, accompanied by the Diocese’ Director of Vocations, the Revd David Mann and Children and Youth Work officer the Revd Andy Bowden. They will be leading a clergy conference to explore Anglican character, vocation, witness and mission, and a training day for lay people.