Strengthening our links with The Gambia
This week we had the pleasure of welcoming The Most Reverend Bannie Manga, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church The Gambia, back to Ireland.
Bishop Bannie enjoyed a busy five-day visit to Ireland, with a packed programme that included church services, Castlewellan Holiday Week, conversations with Methodist Church in Ireland leadership, and opportunities to strengthen connections with The Gambia.
Soon after arriving on Saturday, Rev Bannie met with Ruth Matthews, Chaplain of Wesley College in Dublin.
On Sunday morning, the Bishop shared with the congregations at Maguiresbridge and Tempo Methodist churches, where he was hosted by Lay Pastor John McConnell. John will travel to The Gambia this October as part of a MEET Team, alongside eleven other Methodists. Several members of the team also had the opportunity to meet Bishop Bannie ahead of their autumn visit.
Monday was spent at Castlewellan Holiday Week, where Bishop Bannie took part in seminars, and met with fellow Methodists. He spent time with Nicky Blair (Connexional Safeguarding Officer), Heather Bailie (MCI Children and Family Ministry Coordinator), and Rev Dr Laurence Graham (WMP General Secretary), and enjoyed some of the beautiful surroundings of Castlewellan.
On Tuesday, following lunch with WMP staff, the Bishop met with Rev Dr Heather Morris, MCI General Secretary, and Rev Dr Janet Unsworth, MCI President, for further conversation and reflection.
The visit concluded with a trip to the Methodist Historical Society of Ireland, offering a meaningful end to a full and memorable few days.
We are grateful to Bishop Bannie for taking the time to visit us in Ireland, and for the valuable conversations, insights and wisdom he shared throughout his time here. Our thanks also go to everyone who hosted, welcomed and spent time with him during his visit.
Pictured: Bishop Bannie Manga with Ruth Matthews (Chaplain of Wesley College, Dublin) and David (WMP), John McConnell (Lay Pastor) and Yvonne Lee at Maguiresbridge Methodist Church, and with Heather Bailie (IMYC), Rachel and David (WMP) at Castlewellan.