June 22 2010
News from Canterbury Diocese
For immediate use

Bishop in Canterbury welcomes Bishops from Madagascar

The Bishop in Canterbury, the Right Reverend Trevor Willmott welcomed two Anglican Bishops from Madagascar to Canterbury Cathedral last week. During the visit Bishop Trevor handed over a cheque to help fund the construction of a classroom in a new secondary school in the Tulear region of Madagascar, an island which lies in the Indian Ocean.

The Right Reverend Todd McGregor Bishop of Tulear and Right Reverend Gilbert Rateloson, Bishop of Fianarantsoa visited Canterbury after attending a residential training course hosted in London. The Reverend Colin Preece, Vicar of Ashford St Mary's who leads the Madagascan Church Link, also attended the meeting.

Canterbury Diocese is linked with the Diocese of Madagascar and supports churches, clergy and Bishops in Madagascar through sharing expertise and prayer. Churches across Canterbury Diocese also provide financial support for education and economic development projects in Madagascar, through collections and through the annual diocesan 'Poverty and Hope Appeal'.

Bishop Trevor commented: "The political and civil life in Madagascar is far from easy and yet the church remains strong and united. It has been a joy to welcome two of the Bishops from Madagascar here in Canterbury and I hope under God to be able to visit the church in Madagascar in the summer of next year."

Bishop Todd said: "We greatly value our link with Canterbury and it was good to meet Bishop Trevor for the first time and to share with him news of the church in Madagascar." Speaking about the donation for the Tulear Secondary School, Bishop Todd said: "We are delighted to receive this donation which will help fund the construction of a classroom, meaning more children may now receive free secondary education."

Ends

Notes:

Photo shows: Bishop Trevor handing over a cheque to Bishop Todd. L-R: Bishop Gilbert Rateloson, Bishop Todd, Bishop Trevor and Revd Colin Preece,

Further information: Emily Shepherd, Director of Communications, Canterbury Diocese, 07876 210 446