In July, we have been honoured to welcome friends to the Manchester Diocese from our link with the Diocese of Lahore in Pakistan. We hosted the recently consecrated Bishop of Lahore, the Rt Revd Nadeem Kamran, Mrs Rina Nadeem, Miss Samina Bhatti, Col. Azim Ilyas and Anthony Lamuel.
The Diocese of Manchester has had a link to the Diocese of Lahore, Church of Pakistan, for over 30 years. The link has flourished through visits to each diocese, teamed with an active linking of schools which has made for a thriving partnership. Although our needs are different, the link benefits people and communities on both sides as we share and learn from one another.
Throughout their time visiting Manchester Diocese, our guests have enjoyed attending churches, schools, and other diocesan activities, including the Children Changing Places project. In addition to visits around the diocese, our visitors also enjoyed a day out to York, where Bishop Matthew supplied lots of local knowledge.
The visit ended with a reception hosted by Bishop David, at which the commitment of both dioceses to our link was reaffirmed. The link provides mutual opportunities to support, to learn, and to further the kingdom in our sometimes very different contexts.
The Rt Revd Matthew Porter, Bishop of Bolton, says: “On being appointed Bishop of Bolton it was great to discover that the Diocese of Manchester had a long historic link with the Diocese of Lahore and that a group was soon coming to visit. I really enjoyed meeting everyone, especially Bishop Nadeem, and we shared much together, especially about worship, mission, and education. Most importantly we prayed together. It's great to be part of God's big global family!”
Find out more about our diocese links.
This letter from Rt Revd Nadeem Kamran has been received following the trip.