Bishop Mary visited our link Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman (K&K) in South Africa in August, spending time with churches and communities across the diocese before joining its clergy school for several days of teaching, discussion and shared theological reflection.
The dioceses of Oxford and Kimberley and Kuruman have been linked for more than 30 years. At the heart of that partnership is a commitment not simply to friendship, but to learning from one another as Christians in very different contexts: sharing our experience of ministry, exploring theology together, and bringing different perspectives to some of the questions and challenges facing the Church.
Bishop Mary’s visit is an opportunity to strengthen those relationships and that exchange. Across both dioceses, churches are thinking about questions including how we involve young people in the life of the Church, how we serve our communities well, and how our theology shapes our response to the world around us. The answers will not always look the same in Oxford and K&K – and that is part of the value of the partnership.
Bishop Mary’s first few days have already taken her hundreds of miles across the diocese: joining more than 1,000 people for the funeral of Fr Peme in Seoding, meeting young people involved in Altar Guilds, visiting a soup kitchen and spending time with women serving some of the most vulnerable people in their communities.
She has been sending back photographs, videos and reflections along the way. Follow her visit below.
A warm welcome from K&K
Our link partners were keen to welcome Bishop Mary and to share a message of love with all in the Diocese of Oxford.
Remembering Fr Peme
On Friday, Bishop Mary had the privilege of taking part in the funeral of Fr Peme of Seoding. More than 1,000 people came together to celebrate his life and mourn his death in vibrant worship and deep reflection.
Young people finding a place to belong
Altar Guilds are one way churches in K&K involve young people directly in worship and the life of the Church.
Bishop Mary met Altar Guilds from Seoding, Upington and Groblershoop during her visit – an opportunity to hear about their experiences and reflect on a question shared across our dioceses: how do we enable children and young people to know that they belong and have a part to play in the Church?
On the road
The Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman covers an enormous area – twice the size of the UK – so maintaining relationships between its scattered communities involves some very long journeys. Bishop Mary has spent plenty of time on the road – always, she says, with lovely company.
Generosity in action
Bishop Mary spent time with a group of widows who have very few resources of their own but are generous in supporting those with even less. They took her with them to visit Oma and give her a new blanket – a powerful example of generosity, service and what it means to care for our neighbours.
Singing, dancing – and serving
On Saturday, Bishop Mary visited the soup kitchen at St Philip’s, Boegoeberg. The women there cooked for dozens of people – as well as filling the room with singing and dancing.
A universal language
Bishop Mary took stickers from Oxford to give to some of the children she met along the way. It turns out stickers have universal appeal!
Learning together at clergy school
After several days travelling, worshipping and meeting communities across K&K, Bishop Mary then joined clergy from across the diocese for their clergy school.
She also joined clergy from across K&K for their clergy school, contributing to teaching, conversation and mutual learning: exploring theology together, hearing perspectives shaped by different contexts, and reflecting on what each diocese might learn from the other. A reflection from Bishop Mary on some of those conversations will follow soon.
Our link with K&K is one of many relationships connecting churches across the Diocese of Oxford with the worldwide Church. Find out more about world mission and our international link.