The Archbishop of York, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, will visit Australia and Hong Kong from 16 October to 2 November, strengthening relationships with Anglican churches, schools and communities and exploring opportunities for partnership and shared ministry.
At the invitation of the Most Revd Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy, the Archbishop of Perth, Archbishop Stephen will preach at St George’s Cathedral and visit Anglican schools including John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School, Hale School and St George’s Anglican Grammar School. He will meet clergy, school leaders and young people, and take part in conversations about Christian leadership, spirituality, mission and renewing the ministry of preaching.
He will also give an address at the Art Gallery of Western Australia exploring the work of British artist Stanley Spencer and how art can open conversations about faith, Scripture and the Christian story.
Archbishop Kay said: 'We are delighted to welcome the Archbishop of York to Perth and look forward to sharing with him in the life and mission of the Church here. Mission is at the heart of who we are as Christians: sharing the good news of Christ, offering hope and restoration, and seeking to be a presence of God’s love in our communities. Archbishop Stephen’s visit will be a wonderful opportunity to encourage one another in that calling, particularly through his engagement with our schools, young people and clergy, and to strengthen the bonds of friendship we share across the Anglican Communion.'
In Hong Kong, Archbishop Stephen will make his first visit to the Hong Kong Province, building on growing links between the Diocese of Leeds and the Diocese of Hong Kong Island.
The Rt Revd Matthias Clement Tze-Wo Derhe, Bishop of the Diocese of Hong Kong Island (Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui), said: 'We are very pleased to welcome Archbishop Stephen to Hong Kong and to continue the relationship that is developing between our churches. In Hong Kong we are seeking to deepen our life of discipleship and to equip our people to share the hope of Christ with those around them. We are also committed to being a Church that serves our communities, particularly those facing disadvantage. We look forward to sharing this ministry with Archbishop Stephen, learning from one another and strengthening the partnership between Hong Kong and Leeds as we seek together to proclaim the love and hope of Christ.'
During his time in Hong Kong, Archbishop Stephen will meet with staff at Holy Trinity Cathedral and, alongside the Revd Kenneth Lau, Provincial Secretary General, will visit schools and social-service ministries supporting people with disabilities and those living in poverty. He will preach at St John’s Cathedral on All Saints’ Day (1 November) and join celebrations marking the 135th anniversary of All Saints Cathedral.
Archbishop Stephen said: 'Partnerships between Anglican churches across the world remind us that, although our contexts may be very different, we are part of one family in Christ. This visit is an opportunity to listen, learn and share — with churches, schools and communities in Australia and Hong Kong. I am particularly looking forward to the opportunities to meet young people and those involved in ministry and mission, and to exploring how our shared faith can speak into the challenges and opportunities of our different communities.'
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