Anglican Communion News Service

It is with great sorrow and regret that the Bishop’s Council of the Diocese of Rochester announces its decision to suspend the diocese’s long-standing link with the Diocese of Harare, Zimbabwe.

The move comes following the Council’s unanimous endorsement of recommendations made to it, after much prayer and reflection, by the Chairman of the Rochester-Harare Link Committee. At the same time, the Council stressed its commitment to continued support for the people of the Diocese of Harare.

What follows is the text of the statement adopted by the Bishop’s Council:

"Because of Bishop Nolbert of Harare’s stance on the recent presidential elections and because of the current division within the Diocese of Harare, stemming from its leadership, we in the Diocese of Rochester have no option but to suspend the link with the Diocese of Harare for the time being. We remain committed to the people of the Diocese of Harare and continue to pray for constructive changes in Zimbabwe. We look forward to a situation where a renewed link may, once again, be possible and will keep the matter under review."

Reacting to the decision, the Revd Mike Keirle, Secretary to the Rochester-Harare Link, says, "I know the Diocese of Harare well, having served there myself in the 1990’s. At the moment, I can see no alternative but to suspend the link which has brought such great benefits of friendship, understanding and support to both our dioceses for almost twenty years." He adds, " I’m pleased that our commitment to the people of Harare will continue."

Where individual people and parishes in the two dioceses have developed links, they will be encouraged and supported in working to maintain them wherever possible.

Equally, while the formal link may be suspended, the Diocese of Rochester will continue to raise funds through collections taken at Confirmation Services and will not stop in its efforts to provide financial support to the people of the Diocese of Harare. Such funds will now be channelled through humanitarian relief organisations.

The Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Revd Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, spoke of his own sorrow at the need to suspend the link. "It’s something that means a great deal to us and I hope we shall be able to re-establish the link in the future. In the meantime, I am pleased that we shall continue to be able to offer financial help, and I want to assure the people of the Diocese of Harare of our concern and prayers for them."

Article from: Diocese of Rochester