The Companionship Link with the Diocese of Kagera has been a treasured relationship for over 30 years, beginning in 1994. Built on prayer, friendship and mutual learning, it has grown into a living testimony of Christian fellowship across continents. What began as a simple connection has developed into a partnership that continues to inspire, strengthen faith and deepen bonds between communities.
Origins of the Partnership
The link was formally established in 1994, with a vision of nurturing ties of prayer and friendship while learning from one another’s experiences of faith. From the outset, clergy and lay people visited in both directions, forming lasting friendships and creating opportunities for shared learning.
Communication was sustained first through letters, and later through email and WhatsApp, ensuring the relationship remained strong despite distance. Individuals from Suffolk spent time in Kagera, contributing to diocesan life through work with the Primary School (NAPS), the Bible College (KCTC), and development programmes such as CCMP, originally established by Tearfund.
Prayer has remained central, with Kagera, Lweru and Biharamulo regularly included in the Suffolk Diocesan Prayer Diary.
Financial support, guided by local priorities, has been provided through Bishops’ Lent Appeals and the generosity of churches and individuals. These resources are used within Kagera Diocese programmes.
Visitors consistently return inspired by the strength of faith, hospitality and resilience they experience.
Evolution of the Partnership
Over time, the growth of the Church in Kagera led to the formation of Lweru and Biharamulo dioceses, broadening the relational scope of the companionship.
While relational links expanded, financial support did not extend to formal project funding in Lweru and Biharamulo. Instead, the practical focus of the link consolidated around the geographically reduced Diocese of Kagera.
- In 2023, Bishop Martin visited Kagera and, at the request of Bishops Godfrey and Vithalis, extended his visit to include Lweru and Biharamulo. The purpose was to understand activity in those dioceses and explore ways to rebuild and expand relationships.
- In 2024, Bishops Martin, Darlington, Godfrey and Vithalis signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise aims, commitments and activities. This has set the framework and expectations for the future of the link.
- In 2026, Bishops Joanne, Darlington, Godfrey and Vithalis met together in Suffolk to continue the discussions.
The link continues to evolve as we look forward to 2027 and the 20 and 10 year anniversaries of the creation of Lweru and Biharamulo Dioceses.
