Archbishop of York to visit Australia and Hong Kong

In the Diocese of Perth, at the invitation of Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy AO, 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.

A highlight of his visit will be his 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 Goldsworthy said:

“We are delighted to welcome the Archbishop of York and Mrs Cottrell 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 Most Reverend Andrew Chan, Primate and Archbishop of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui, said:

“The Anglican Church in Hong Kong is delighted to welcome Archbishop Stephen on his first visit to our Province. Visits such as this remind us of the strength of our relationships across the Anglican Communion and of the ways in which we can encourage and learn from one another in our different contexts.

“We look forward to sharing something of the life and ministry of the Church in Hong Kong with Archbishop Stephen, particularly our education and social welfare ministries facing challenges. We also hope this visit will strengthen the growing relationship between Hong Kong and Leeds and open new opportunities for prayer, friendship and shared mission.”

The Bishop of the Diocese of Hong Kong Island, HKSKH Matthias Der, 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.”

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. Archbishop Stephen has been invited to deliver a blessing at the 135th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the Cathedral of All Saints, where Archbishop Andrew will preside and preach.

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.”

Photo credit: Office of the Archbishop of York