*** DEBUG START ***
*** DEBUG END ***

Southwell & Nottingham: African confirmation

20 July 2012

ONE bishop, six clergy, two students, a retired police officer, and a couple of diocesan advisers are among the party of 11 people from the diocese of Southwell & Nottingham who are visiting Burundi, one of the poorest countries in Africa, with which they have diocesan links.

The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, the Rt Revd Paul Butler (above, centre), says that, although it is "one of the poorest countries in the world, it has enormous spiritual wealth, which we can learn from, and perhaps we can offer things, too". Linking with various Christian Aid projects, they are breaking into smaller groups to visit different parts of the country, to see what development schemes are going on, and how they can strengthen their relationships with the Church in Burundi.

A highlight of the trip, which they were looking forward to, was one of the many large confirmation services, when hundreds of young people come to confirm their Christian faith with the support of family and friends. Bishop Butler and his wife, Rosemary, will join in, handing out Bibles to the young candidates.

The Bibles are some of those bought with the money that has been donated at confirmation services throughout the diocese of Southwell & Nottingham, totalling more than £7000. That has bought thousands of Bibles; so others will go to more of the 12,000 people, of all ages, who are confirmed in Burundi each year.

 

Browse Church and Charity jobs on the Church Times jobsite

Forthcoming Events

Women Mystics: Female Theologians through Christian History

13 January - 19 May 2025

An online evening lecture series, run jointly by Sarum College and The Church Times

tickets available

 

Festival of Faith and Literature

28 February - 2 March 2025

tickets available

 

Visit our Events page for upcoming and past events 

Welcome to the Church Times

 

To explore the Church Times website fully, please sign in or subscribe.

Non-subscribers can read four articles for free each month. (You will need to register.)