In May 1969, the Diocese established a formal link with the Anglican Church of Uganda which is organised through our Deaneries. The map below outlines the Dioceses in Uganda with whom we have links.
Click on map to see a full list of Deanery to Diocese Links.
Background
The Link began in 1969 through the friendship of two people, the Archbishop of Uganda, The Very Reverend Erica Sabiti, and the Bishop of Bristol, The Right Reverend Oliver Tomkins, whose son Stephen was then teaching in Uganda.
It has always been seen as a partnership of two Anglican Churches, sharing friendship in Christ across the world, through mutual prayer, support and continuing understanding of one another, thus opening up our concept of the world-wide Church of Christ. The relationship has been marked by a shared joy in each other and many lasting friendships have developed. This relationship has been primarily developed through our established Deanery to Diocese Links.
It is not a fund-raising organisation, or a competitor to the mission agencies, or a parent-child relationship, with Bristol as the parent, or a replacement for existing links. The focus is very much on friendship rather than charity. We aim to work under our Constitution and within the partnership guidelines drawn up by “Partnership for World Mission”, the body which brings together the General Synod and the mission agencies of the Church of England.
May 2009 was marked by a wonderful celebration of 40 year so partnership. Visitors came from Uganda, including a magnificent choir. The celebrations which spanned the whole diocese culminated in a service in Bristol Cathedral which was attended by over 1,000 people .