VICTORIA, Seychelles — Nine bishops of the Anglican Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean (ACIO) paid a courtesy visit to President Wavel Ramkalawan yesterday afternoon at State House. The visit, described as a moment of fraternity and dialogue between Church leaders and the Head of State, took place during a retreat in Seychelles.
The visiting bishops represent six dioceses in Madagascar, one in Mauritius and one in Seychelles. They include Bishop Gilbert Rateloson Rakotodravelo of the Diocese of Fianarantsoa, Very Rev Jean Paul Solo of Toamasina, Very Rev Dr Darrell Critch of Mahajanga, Very Rev Dr Jaomandiny of Antsiranana, Very Rev Dr Samitiana Jhonson Razafindralambo of Toliara, and Very Rev Samoela Jaona of Antananarivo, Very Rev Stenio André of the Diocese of Ranarivelo in Mauritius, and Very Rev James Wong of the Diocese of Seychelles.
Very Rev Brian Marajh of the Diocese of Kimberley & Kuruman, part of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, is leading the two-day retreat at St Luke’s Church in Bel Ombre. The theme is “Safe Church – Power and Grace for Bishops in the Anglican Context,” with a focus on spiritual development and leadership. The retreat concludes with a thanksgiving Eucharist for Bishop Wong’s retirement on Sunday 12 January at 9:30am at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Speaking to the press after the courtesy call, Bishop Wong said it was a special moment, noting that the President is also one of the brothers of the Church.
