Renewing the Highveld Link
Bishop David Beetge writes...
Dear +Dominic
Firstly, may I once again thank you and the Diocese of Monmouth very much for your very warm hospitality prior to the Lambeth Conference. As always, it was wonderful to be with you and in the Diocese of Monmouth and to share in the hospitality programme provided by the Diocese for a number of Bishops attending the Lambeth Conference.
Recently, we had our Diocesan Council meeting. At this meeting Diocesan Council expressed its deepest appreciation to you, and the Diocese of Monmouth, for the very generous Lenten Offering sent to us for the establishment of the Monmouth Room at our Diocesan Centre. The school has recently moved out and we are in the process of obtaining quotes for the establishment of this Training Room and hope that, when you visit us next year, you will be able to officially open the Room. The amount raised was indeed very generous and we remain deeply grateful for our link and the generous response the people of Monmouth have made to both Lenten Appeals over the last two years. The Feeding Scheme continues to serve a number of schemes based at parish level and has made a considerably difference to the lives of so many especially during our winter period.
19th November 2003:
The Bishops sign the link agreement
in St Woolos Cathedral
Diocesan Council unanimously resolved to extend the Diocesan Link between the Diocese of Monmouth and the Diocese of the Highveld should the Diocese of Monmouth approve such an extension. Over the five years of our link, the nature of our link has broadened and has become such a very real part of our Diocesan life. The visit that we have received from you, the Clergy and Laity of the Diocese of Monmouth have all contributed to strengthening this link and many from this Diocese have valued the opportunity of visiting the Diocese of Monmouth during this period. The prayers that are offered for each other in our different Dioceses on such a regular basis are a reminder to us of the very deep nature of the link that we continue to enjoy with each other. At a time when such links are crucial to the strengthening of the life of the Anglican Communion, I hope that we will be able to deepen and extend our link for a further period should the Diocese of Monmouth decide to continue the link for a further period.
With my prayers and all good wishes,
+David