The Newcastle-Botswana Anglican Companion Link was first entered into and agreed in September 2003, with Bishop Martin Wharton and Bishop Theo Naledi being the first signatories of the agreement, as respective bishops of the two dioceses. In 2021, Bishop Christine signed a new Link Agreement with Bishop Metlha at a Diocesan Synod via Zoom. There are many reasons to give thanks for this relationship, and in particular:
Prayer
The two dioceses see engaging together in prayer as a fundamental part of our shared life and journey as Christians. The sharing of our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer each month has helped us to get to know one another better as we pray regularly for people, parishes and communities, and the priests who serve them.
People
Over the past twenty years, many link visits from one diocese to another have taken place, with Bishops, clergy and young people benefitting greatly from experiencing church through a different culture.
Projects
The Newcastle-Botswana Link Task Group has helped to coordinate support for a number of Botswana Link Projects in Botswana:
- Funding, resourcing and training for Holy Cross Hospice which offers treatment and support for HIV patients
- Supporting Day Care Centres in Gaborone, Mahalapye and Mogoditshane, where deprived children are offered an Early Years education
- Providing tutors and equipment for Saint Augustine’s Theological School
- Helping repair buildings such as orphanages and churches following storm damage
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Fr. Allan Marks (Chair of the Botswana Task Group) on fatherallan@sky.com.