Companion Links
Stavanger
Strong ties have developed over the years between the two dioceses, with teams making reciprocal visits. Both Cathedral choirs have also exchanged visits. For Bishop Rob's enthronmenet in 2025, the Bishop of Stavanger and senior staff visited our diocese. We have representatives of the Norwegian Mission Society working in our diocese. Partnership Agreements have been signed between our two dioceses .
When did your Mission Community last have a visit from fellow Christians in Norway? Well if you are part of Kirby Lonsdale Mission Community then the answer is last Autumn. Rev Eivind Kråvik, Parish priest of the Grødem congregation in the Diocese of Stavanger led a party from our link Diocese in Norway, to visit Rev Wendy Thornton and the Christian community at Kirby Lonsdale to share faith and life and to deepen relationships between the two communities. Following the visit Christmas greetings were exchanged along with this picture of cavorting Christmas Camels in Kirby Lonsdale Church!
Why not contact Archdeacon Vernon and see if your mission community could establish a link with a church in Stavanger.
Convener - Stavanger Companion Link
The Ven Vernon Ross
The Vicarage
Windermere Road
Lindale in Cartmel
Grange over Sands
Cumbria
LA11 6LB
T: 015395 34717
E: archdeacon.south@carlislediocese.org.uk
Zululand
This photograph was taken at Nsukazi Primary School outside eShowe in May 2017 during a visit to the school by members of a team of people from Cumbria and the Diocese of Carlisle. During the visit to the school we attended classes, after which the children of the school demonstrated their extraordinary dancing and drumming skills – both boys and girls performed a number of traditional Zulu dances – and left us astounded! It was hoped that members of the Diocesan Board of Education would be able to foster links with the school. In the end, communication difficulties made this difficult.
The beautiful and modern church building of KwaMbusi uKristu, eShowe, is the Anglican parish church for this area of the town of eShowe. It is surrounded by terrific gardens. The photo includes all those who had just led Sunday morning worship with Holy Communion together in a bilingual service. Included is the Ven Sifiso Dhlamini who is currently the Archdeacon of Nqutu.
During this trip Philip Dorling had the privilege of preaching at the Convent of the Holy Name, KwaMagwaza, on the occasion of the installation of Sister Thandukwazi CHN as the new Mother Provincialof the Community of the Holy Name. At the same time we attended the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Sr Olpha and Sr Sibongile’s first profession as nuns. We stayed at Kwanzimela which is the diocesan retreat house for the Diocese of Zululand.
Update on the link with Zululand Diocese
At present the link between Zululand Diocese and the Diocese of Carlisle is based on regular communication between the Revd Philip Dorling and the Venerable Sifiso Dhlamini who have been friends since 2009, when they both served as Rectors in neighbouring parishes in Archdeaconry of Vryheid. Sifiso and I pray for each other using the daily diocesan cycles of prayer and stay in touch on Whatsapp. Later this year (2026) Deb Lee is hoping to visit the Diocese of Zululand to find out about possible links between the work of the Mother’s Union and Eco Church in the UK, and Eco Champions in Zululand.
In late 2025 our diocesan link was greatly energised by the visit of the Venerable Sifiso Dhlamini and the Revd Bongani Sea Masinga to Carlisle Diocese, on the occasion of the installation of the new Bishop of Carlisle, the Right Revd Rob Saner-Haigh. Sadly, owing to travel difficulties only Sifiso manged to get to the service on time. As part of their trip to the UK, Sifiso and Bongani visited Bishop’s House in Keswick, Carlisle Cathedral, Lanercost Priory, Shepherd’s Dene Retreat House, Durham Cathedral and Rydal Hall. Our visitors participated in parish worship, prayed the daily office together in several different churches and chapels, and were fed very well indeed by parishioners from the Seatallan Benefice of churches in West Cumbria. It was a great opportunity to be with friends, to talk about diocesan life, to share openly about the stresses and joys of ministry in our differing contexts…and to encourage one another. We also laughed a lot! Laughter has been one of the great marks of our partnership in world mission. I am deeply grateful for it.
Convener - Zululand Companion Link
The Rev Philip Dorling
The Rectory
Wasdale Road
Gosforth
CA20 1BG
T: 07500 239684
E: philipdorling123@btinternet.com
Northern Argentina
Following the establishment of the link in 1995 we have supported a range of projects from a soup kitchen to refurbishment of the bungalow for the then Bishop. A 'Faith in Partnership' agreement was signed by both Diocesan bishops. A number of exchange visits by clergy and lay people have taken place and through our Bishop's Harvest Appeal we continue to offer further support (in tandem with Church Mission Society) for a seminary. Each year 25 May is designated the day to pray for this link, so please do holod all involved with this global missional work in your prayers.
Convener - Northern Argentina Companion Link
The Ven Stewart Fyfe
Holme Cultram Vicarage
Abbeytown
Wigton
CA7 4SP
T: 07552 428772
E: archdeacon.west@carlislediocese.org.uk