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.