This parish is linked through prayer, friendship and mutual support with the Diocese of the Highveld, near Johannesburg. The diocese stretches from the Eastern suburbs of Johannesburg 220 miles across the high rural plateau to the Swaziland border, and contains towns, villages, townships (where non-whites were resettled from the towns) and informal settlements (shanty-towns), as well as vast tracts of beautiful country. Over the past 8 years we have exchanged visits and gifts, and built friendships through prayer and email contact. Practically, the parish part-funds one of the two HIV/AIDS project workers (Rev Lynne Coull) in the diocese.

In November 2006 Bishop David Beetge visited Guildford and conferred on the Rector, Robert Cotton, an honorary canonry of the Diocese of the Highveld in recognition of the parish’s constant and valuable support and his own personal contribution to the link.

We are making plans to take a group of parishioners to the Highveld in August 2008 to see the HIV/AIDS projects first-hand, to join in their work, and to worship and pray together. There will also be opportunities for more touristy things as well. For this, we need people who want to come on the trip, people who will support us in prayer, and people who will help with awareness- and fund-raising.

Click here to download the outline itinerary for the trip planned for August 2008

Click here to download a bookmark with a prayer for the trip

For more information please contact:

Jan Hancock (e-mail), or
Marja Geusebroek (e-mail), or
Joanna Zavos (e-mail), or
Tessa Bevin (e-mail).