Canon Rebecca reflects on her joyful visit to Tanzania and the diocese of Western Tanganyika

This June I had the joy of joining Bishop Rachel on a visit to Western Tanganyika - our link diocese - in Tanzania, hosted by Bishop Emmanuel Bwatta. The Diocese of Gloucester has long had a strong relationship with Western Tanganyika, and this visit focused on attending the first ordination of women in the diocese and strengthening ties with St Andrew’s Cathedral in Kasulu.

We had a wonderful time on our brief trip. The welcome and hospitality was extraordinary and I really valued seeing the Church so strong and vibrant in a culture so different from my own. Many churches are growing fast. In several places there were new church buildings being constructed as the congregations had outgrown their existing buildings, and Bishop Rachel joined Bishop Emmanuel in unveiling a plaque to commemorate the beginning of one such project.

Worship there is joyful, noisy – and long! The ordination service lasted five hours, filled with singing and dancing. It was a truly amazing experience to witness ten women being ordained, many after long and challenging journeys. Bishop Rachel preached at the service, speaking about the need for us all to be confident in our own unique calling from God, especially if we are the first of our type and have few role models. It was a deeply emotional and moving service, and one I am sure I will remember with gratitude for the rest of my life.

During our visit, we visited churches, participated in two confirmation services, relaxed in the beautiful garden in the Bishop’s compound, met with friends old and new, and saw some of the stunning scenery of Lake Tanganyika.

I have returned to Gloucester Cathedral with a fresh perspective on what it means to be part of a truly worldwide church, some new and deepened friendships, a (very) few words of Swahili, and a determination to continue to build on our link with the diocese there. And as (at the time of writing) I look towards our own ordinations in this Cathedral this weekend, I give heartfelt thanks and pray for all those who minister and build up our churches in the service of God and his people, wherever in the great family of God’s people he has placed us.

Canon Chancellor, Rebecca Lloyd