Church packed for Congo Archbishop

Mulbarton Church was packed with people ready to give a warm welcome to the Archbishop of Congo, the Most Rev Fidele Dirokpa, and his wife Ruthi. The service included the renewal of marriage vows by Dave and Ann Roberts who had a civil wedding some years ago.

Mulbarton Church was packed with people ready to give a warm welcome to the Archbishop of Congo, the Most Rev Fidele Dirokpa, and his wife Ruthi.

The service included the renewal of marriage vows by Dave and Ann Roberts who had a civil wedding some years ago. After a renewal service led by the rector, the Rev Jess Stubenbord, the Archbishop blessed the couple and their children.

During the communion service, Archbishop Dirokpa spoke to youngsters about ways of loving Jesus, and later to adults about the meaning and challenge of being a disciple. He spoke in French, which was translated by

Mr Stubenbord.

Music was led by Fiona Loughborough, Jill Wright read Jesus' final words in Matthew's Gospel and prayers were led by Vivienne Clifford-Jackson. Archbishop Dirokpa officiated in English at communion and gave the concluding blessing.

Afterwards, people were invited to coffee followed by a bring-and-share lunch in Harvest House.

The Archbishop and his wife were guests at an informal evening service at Harvest House when people could hear more about the Congo and their visits in England and Jersey before the start of the Lambeth Conference this month.