Bishop William from the Diocese of Boga, visited the Diocese of Chester recently taking in the sights, praying with us and meeting people. Among his many stops, was Bishop's House where Bishop Mark asked him about his time in Boga and how we can pray for its people.
Boga is one of the two African Dioceses that we, the Diocese of Chester, are linked with, the other being Aru. Both dioceses are based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which sits in the centre of the continent and is the second largest country in Africa, eleventh in the world, and ten times bigger than the UK.
Bishop William's visit to our diocese was part of a wider visit to the UK, due to his role as a member of the Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council. Prior to arriving in our diocese, he had been attending meetings in Lambeth with other members of the ACC.
William arrived with us on 17 November and spent the next five days, following a packed itinerary, taking in Diocesan Synod, Evensong at Chester Cathedral, a Formal lunch at Bishop’s House, meeting with Church House staff, and visits to churches and schools.
Revd Graham Buttanshaw, a retired vicar who worked for seven years in Uganda and South Sudan with the Church Mission Society.,made Bishop William welcome in his home in our diocese for four days. "William is such a humble man, unassuming and quietly spoken. But this belies his immense wisdom and knowledge of the world."
Bishop William began his journey back to his homeland on 22 November.
Bishop William vistited Church House, where he was introduced to staff and discussed his ministry in Boga.