What's it all about?
The IDWAL Link began in 1977 through an initiative by Guildford Diocese, but this rapidly increased to include Chichester and Portsmouth Dioceses. The Anglican Provinces of Nigeria and West Africa have much to teach us, and the motto of the Link has been "Together is the best way forward". The link is concerned with people to people links and through its auspices many visits have been made to and from Africa. Many individual English Deaneries from the participating Dioceses have made particular links with Dioceses in the four Provinces of West Africa and Nigeria, and more are being encouraged.
At the last Lambeth Conference in 1988 a one-day IDWAL Conference with 39 African bishops and the English bishops of Chichester, Guildford and Portsmouth reaffirmed the value of the link. There is a review of all aspects of the link currently under way under the leadership of Bishop Simon Barrington-Ward and the Revd Mary Vicars.
So why be involved?
IDWAL is a way of deepening awareness of the fact that we are part of a world-wide church. It is a link with one of the fastest growing churches in the world, with new missionary Dioceses being formed frequently, where growth is often in situations of costly discipleship and risk of persecution, but where the work of the Holy Spirit shines.
Come and find out yourself the joy of being in the world church. Come to the IDWAL Festival on Saturday 11th July and to the Diocesan, Deanery and Parish services and events on Sunday 12th July and the days following.
Meet the Bishops
Portsmouth is host to over 60 Nigerian and West African bishops, on behalf of Chichester, Guildford and Portsmouth Dioceses. This is your chance to be involved in the run up to the 1998 Lambeth Conference!
You are invited to meet the bishops at about 2.pm on Saturday 11th July in Portsmouth Guildhall Square, following their Civic Reception in the Guildhall, and to walk with them and many, many others to Portsmouth Cathedral where there will be informal meetings prior to the Festival Service at 4.pm, which will include thousands of people, African musicians and at which an African Archbishop is invited to preach.
Following the service there will be refreshments at Portsmouth Grammar School and a display by the Royal Marines, before bishops, their wives and hosts leave for local parishes at 8.30.pm. If you are joining the Bishops and their wives for tea at the Grammar School you are requested to bring food to share.
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page last updated 6 JUNE 1998