Bath and Wells was delighted to welcome Archbishop Albert Chama, Bishop Derek Kamukwamba, his wife Evelyn, Bishop Robert Mumbi and his wife Joy to the diocese ahead of the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury. The group arrived in the UK on Thursday and travelled down to Wells. On Friday they toured Flourish House and met members of the central services team who work in Wells, before having lunch with the senior team.
On Saturday our Zambian guests were back at Flourish House, this time for a get together with members of the diocese’s companion link parishes in Bath and Wells and many who are interested in becoming a link parish. Speaking at the event Bishop Ruth said, 'It’s wonderful to be able to welcome our special guests, it has been far too long.' She also thanked all those from the parishes who have come along to celebrate the link and those who have come to learn more about it. Bishop Derek responded on behalf of the Zambian bishops, saying 'The relationship between the Zambian dioceses and Bath & Wells is a God-given gift that benefits us all. It is a relationship, a friendship, that we value.'
Sunday was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Zambia Sunday together. It is a chance for every parish across our six partner dioceses to pray and learn more about each other, and to consider our place as part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
The bishops and their families are now in Canterbury for the 15th Lambeth Conference which takes place from 26 July - 8 August. The conference will explore what it means for the Anglican Communion to be responsive to the needs of a 21st Century world.