The Diocese of West Missouri has a companion diocese relationship
with Botswana of the Province of Central Africa.(Please visit the website for the Anglican Diocese of Botswana.)
The goals of the Companion Diocese Relationship between the Diocese of Botswana, Province of Central Africa and The Diocese of West Missouri, The Episcopal Church USA include:
Establish linkages between diverse members of the Anglican Communion - within
the Diocese of Botswana, Province of Central Africa and the Diocese of West Missouri, The Episcopal Church USA.
Offer opportunities for Christian friendship, education and support.
Explore the spiritual
and companion needs of two diverse populations while developing interactions for mutual support and Christian growth.
Offer prayer and support for individual and communal journeys of faith for those within the companion relationship.
Facilitate a better understanding of the culture and polity of the two dioceses by exchanging information through
correspondence and personal visitations.
Explore and mutually agree to the support of these
potential types of interaction:
Visits by bishops, clergy and laity
Youth, women and clergy exchanges
Parish to parish links
A common prayer or intercessory calendar
Faithful communication
Seminars and conferences
Gifts
of arts and crafts
Cultural events
Work camps
Medical teams
Attendance at diocesan conventions
Assistance
in time of need
Development projects
St. Paul's Members Visit Botswana
In November 2008, eight representatives from the West Missouri Diocese
-- including Channing and Louise Horner of St. Paul's, representatives to the Companion Diocese Committee -- spent 10
days in Botswana. The contingent visited nine parishes, a hospice, an orphanage and a day-care center during their trip. All
stayed in private homes. They also met with Bishop Trevor Mwamba. The delegation examined the needs of the 60 or so congregations
in Botswana, a nation the size of Texas with a population similar to that of the Kansas City area.
Here, Louise Horner of St. Paul’s, Maryville, and one of the daughters of
Archdeacon Archford Musodza and his wife, Victoria, check out a book in Francistown. (Information and photo from The
West Missouri Spirit, the diocesan newsletter.)
Want to see photos from the diocesan trip to Botswana? Click on the
photo below to visit our Flickr site.
