Diocese of the Anglican Church of Southern Malawi
 

A Big Welcome Home for Bishop James

Cecilia Stephens

Vehicles waiting outside St Pauls Cathederal

Welcome Home Bishop James

 

On Wednesday 3 June 200 supporters travelled to Chileka Airport, Blantyre to welcome back their Bishop and celebrate his election to a key position within the worldwide Anglican Church.

The bishop left Malawi on 22 April to spend 2 weeks in Jamaica attending the meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council where on 8 May he was elected chairman .

 

On 13 May the Bishop moved on to the USA to visit partner Church organisations in Texas.  Here he was joined by a small delegation from the diocese; Mrs Josie Tengatenga, daughter Alinafe, Bishop’s Chaplain Father Makaya Chanza and lay representative Mr James Chimwaza.

 As the flight landed a great cheer went up and the supporting crowd trooped down to wait for the Bishop to emerge from the VIP lounge.  There was time for plenty of singing and dancing as the welcome party warmed up.

The Bishop’s first duty was to talk to the press- then after what seemed a long wait- he finally appeared, smiling broadly and expressing delight at the tumultuous welcome .  He reported that a successful visit to the USA had resulted in the potential for another formal Partnership with the Church in Texas.  As to his new appointment, the Bishop asked us to rejoice in this honour for the diocese and for Malawi .. and to support him with prayers as he takes on this challenging role.

 

.....quite a squash

 

..special cloth to celebrate a special event

..a bouquet ready for Mrs Josie Tengatenga

hanging around in the viewing gallery at the terminal

some practice for fixing the spray for the Bishop ..

..taking over the viewing gallery

singing and dancing outside
...and more singing
...and more dancing
and some drumming.
...at last Bishop James appears
and speaks to the waiting crowd
...and a welcome for Josie Tengatenga and Alinafe