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Comments, complaints, broken links, disappointed hopes - please contact the caretaker. 31/07/2009 |
Elizabeth Sidwell in Ho, Ghana [Bishop Matthias' Consecration and Letter]
I arrived in Ghana on 18 February following a 20-week furlough. Having established that I would return, I spent some time trying to prepare myself for what will be a somewhat different job. The main job is the diocesan secretary, but I will also work with my former development colleague looking particularly at training and leadership skills. Talking with a diocesan secretary in England and a USPG consultant, I have come to think that much of the job will be trying to relieve the new bishop of some of his present load. The bishop and the diocese need to work out what the bishop will not do as much as finding out what he will be doing, as he is currently handling a lot of administration as there are no administrative staff yet. Some routine work is likely to be off-loaded, and some responsibility delegated, so that he will be free to concentrate on more important duties. News in brief Whilst in Britain Elizabeth spoke at several parishes which have supported her and spent a few days in Portsmouth with parishes which are part of the Inter Diocesan West African Link (IDWAL) with Ghana. She also visited a parish in York Diocese, which has been supporting the Diocese of Ho from its inception, where she met people who had known Bishop Matthias since before his ordination as Deacon! Elizabeth’s first job when she arrived back in Ghana was to organise a two-day workshop to decide on the diocese’s strategic plan. She could see her job unfolding before her! She commented that trying to balance the establishment of a new institution with the work of the church will be ongoing. Her role will be more in the former, freeing others to focus on mission. She is living in a two-bedroom flat, very near her office, which is in the bishop’s house. There will be elections at the end of the year in Ghana, and Elizbeth is hopeful that these will go peacefully. In 2004, we need to raise £4,300 to support Elizabeth so please keep supporting this work generously through giving and prayer. [Bishop Matthias' Consecration and Letter]
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