Partnership with Mpwapwa Diocese
St Peter & St Paul Church, Shoreham is proud to share in a growing partnership with communities in the Diocese of Mpwapwa, Tanzania. Through friendship, prayer, education and practical support, strong connections have been built between churches, schools and families across both dioceses. Together, we continue to encourage a spirit of fellowship, faith and mutual care that enriches all involved.
Over recent years, strong and lasting friendships have grown between parishes, schools and individuals within the Diocese of Rochester and the Diocese of Mpwapwa, together with St Philip’s Theological College in Tanzania. St Peter & St Paul Church, Shoreham has been proud to play an active role in nurturing these partnerships and encouraging a spirit of shared faith, fellowship and community.
St Peter & St Paul Church, Shoreham Village School and St Michael’s School in Otford have established meaningful links with St Joseph’s Chunyu and the Chunyu primary and secondary schools in Tanzania. These relationships began in 2018, following a visit to the Chunyu community by Shoreham’s Vicar and the Headteacher of Shoreham Village School. Since then, the partnership has continued to flourish through regular communication, prayer and mutual support.
A lively WhatsApp group helps maintain these connections, providing a space to share news, photographs, prayers and music, strengthening friendships across continents and fostering a deep sense of unity.
The Shoreham community has also provided significant financial support to Mpwapwa. Through fundraising led by our former Vicar, The Revd Dr Diane Rees, £3,600 has been raised and distributed to support schools, church projects, a borehole and a medical centre. A further £1,000 has been set aside for ongoing support. The distribution of these funds has been overseen by Sylvie and Stephen Barbor, Co-Chairs of the Mpwapwa Companion Diocese Group.
These contributions have enabled:
-
Installation of window frames for a new church building
-
Provision of desks for local schools
-
Improvements at Queen Esther’s School
-
Support for St Luke’s Medical Centre
In November 2024, Shoreham was delighted to welcome the Bishop of Mpwapwa, the Rt Revd Luzineth Kingamkono. During his visit, the Bishop attended a church service, took part in the baptisms of two parishioners and even enjoyed trying his hand at bell ringing. A special reception in the church provided an opportunity to share stories, updates and recent photographs from Tanzania, celebrating the continuing strength of the partnership.
For further information about the Diocese of Mpwapwa partnership and opportunities to support this ongoing work, please visit the Diocese of Rochester website: