A letter from our Bishop to the churches in London
As the London Diocesan Bishop for ALMA it is my privilege to share with you that Bishop Richard has designated his final London Lent Appeal in 2017 for ALMA, our Diocesan partnership with the Anglican Church in Angola and Mozambique.
“Capital Vision 2020 reminds us that although we are always caught up with the pressing needs of the present, we are poor disciples if we do not at the same time invest in the future. I am delighted that our Lent Appeal for 2017 is for ALMA, our Diocesan Partnership, and its vital work in education ‘Sowing Seeds for Tomorrow’ “.
In Lent 2017 we will be working alongside our three partner dioceses to assist with three educational initiatives they have identified as key priorities. These are ‘church’ projects and would not attract other funding.
Angola: doubling the size of church schools, to meet new government requirements, and thereby ensure a continuing Christian presence.
Lebombo (Southern Mozambique): contributing to the significant project to create a new accredited seminary outside Maputo to train the next generation of church leaders.
Niassa (Northern Mozambique): helping complete a church training hub with accommodation in Nampula for the (huge) Lurio region ‑ to be used for training locally ordained priests, lay leaders, Mothers’ Union, community development fieldworkers and teams.
With thanks
+ Robert Edmonton
The Rt Revd Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton
On behalf of ALMA and the London College of Bishops
The Lent Appeal Prayer
Lord God in times of great uncertainty
when the future seems bleak and fragile,
inspire us to hope.
Give us the courage to plan creatively for tomorrow that we may boldly proclaim your gospel so your kingdom may come on earth as it is in heaven.
Bless the church in Angola, London and Mozambique
as together this Lent we sow seeds for tomorrow.
The retiring collection at the St Matthew Passion will go this appeal. Or cheques can be sent to ALMA Lent Appeal 2017, 36 Causton Street, SW1P 4AU. Online donations can be made at www.give.net/lent17