Did you realize that the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf is made up of 15 chaplaincies, including Yemen, Kuwait, and Baghdad?
 

Did you realize that almost all church attendees in Famagusta, N Cyprus are from Nigeria?  Did you realize that there is a Companion Diocesan Relationship between the Diocese of Exeter and the Dioceses of Cyprus and the Gulf, within the partnership for World Mission Scheme? Did you realize that the Diocese has a wonderful retreat facility at Katafiyio in Cyprus? Did you realize that our Diocese is one of the constituent dioceses of the Province of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East?

This annual meeting is a wonderful opportunity for members and delegates from all chaplaincies to meet together, for teaching, discussion, formal procedures, worship, and also to socialize. For our new bishop, the Right Reverend Michael Lewis, it was a chance to meet with all his clergy under one roof, and to understand just how broad his ‘patch’ is-in geographical terms , in ethnic backgrounds, and also in types of worship.

In his opening address he talked about the “crazy but probably holy mix” of people that we were; and that as a group of Christians we are allowed to have fun and to enjoy what we do. He commented on our great diversity as a Diocese and asked us if we were confident in that diversity.

It was this diversity that really struck me as a Diocesan Synod newcomer. All lay delegates had the opportunity to share reports and presentations from their individual churches. It was during this time that I realized how very easy it is for us here in Bahrain to become rather insular and inward looking, cocooned by our generally comfortable way of life and freedom to worship. We should never forget that we are part of a much wider diverse Christian family, bound together by our Bishop and our Anglican Liturgy.
I am very grateful to have been allowed to go to the Synod as one of the Cathedral council’s lay delegates and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has the chance next year, either as a Council member or indeed as an observer.