Anglican Communion News Service

The origins of the Anglican Diocese of the Seychelles go back nearly 200 years to the time that missionary chaplains first arrived in the islands. However it was not until April 1973 that a Diocese was established, and George Cardell Briggs from Lindi in Tanzania was installed as the first Bishop of Seychelles.

Back in 1973, only one of the six clergy was indigenous, but today seven out of nine clergy are native to the Seychelles. St Paul's Cathedral has been extended twice in the last quarter of a century to accommodate the growing population and its needs. Improvements and advancements have been made in areas of clergy training, the organisation of the diocese, and preparation for baptism, confirmation and marriage.

The Diocese of the Seychelles is developing a Vision Plan which includes further training for ordained and lay ministries, care and growth of all existing parish groups, new buildings and the renovations of existing churches and property.

"The Diocesan Youth Ministry, which encompasses the ministry to children of pre-school years, helps to lay a strong foundation for the present and future Church," says Bishop of Seychelles, the Rt Revd French Chang-Him, talking about 27 years of blessing in his Diocese.

Other projects include a history of the Anglican Church in the Seychelles, a new French and Creole hymn book, as well as a new Creole prayer book.