Diocese of Natal Scroll down to see the Natal Video
1 Big story 100 small stories
The link between Southwell & Nottingham and Natal helps us to share our story of faith across the world aswell as across the diocese.
Our Diocesan Companion Link is about...
Belonging to the worldwide Anglican Communion:
sharing our stories
looking to the future while celebrating our history
learning together in a global church
Where is Natal?
The Diocese of Natal is much larger in size, being the southern half of the Province of Kwa-Zulu Natal. To thewest is the wonderful Drakensberg mountain range. To the east are the beautiful golden beaches, with Durban, gifted with a huge natural harbour, a busy port for international trade. Then on the borders are extensive game parks and rural communities. Pietermaritzburg is the inland capital.
map of World and inset map to natal
Why link with Natal?
The Southwell-Natal Companion Link began in 2002 after Bishop Rubin and Bishop George and representatives had visited each others Dioceses. Since then we have each formed Link Groups to develop the potential and opportunities:
to learn from each other, about our faith, our lives and our churches
to share our skills and resources in Gods mission
to develop not only the big story but 100 small stories
to pray for each other regularly.
The stories of our link help us to join together in the mission of God as we are:
Discerning God; valuing people, serving communities and enabling change
The Link exists for the benefit of all, not just a few. So any parishes or individuals can share in it.
Becoming companions in Christ:
reaching out in friendship
visiting and sharing our stories
encouraging one other
discovering our unity and diversity
Being in communion through Christ:
praying for each other
worshipping faithfully in different contexts
enriching each other's experience of God
Believing in the compassion of Christ:
seeking justice and care for the poorest
sharing our resources and skills
working together in strategic mission
bridging cultures and difference
Please pray for our Link
Give thanks for
the faith we share in Jesus Christ;
the good news of God's love for all;
those who have been faithful in
prayer, worship and mission.
Remember
all who face the suffering and
challenges caused by HIV/AIDS;
clergy, lay ministers and congregations in very diverse contexts;
the presence of the poor in both of our
dioceses and the need for justice.
Ask for discernment
to recognise what God is doing among us in a fast changing world;
to encourage, challenge and help each other;
to choose the way of Christ in all things.
Our Natal Link Prayer
God of heaven and earth,
one day peoples
from North and South,
from East and West
will worship and feast
together in your kingdom.
Draw together with bonds of love the Dioceses of Natal and Southwell & Nottingham.
Inspire our friendship,
deepen our fellowship,
and help us to challenge each other afresh
to witness to your saving love for all the world,
through Jesus Christ
our Lord.
God bless Africa.
Guide her leaders; guard her people; give her peace.
