The Diocese of Leeds was pleased to host the Rt Revd Moses Yamo, Bishop of Rorya in Tanzania, on a visit last week.
Bishop Moses arrived on Monday, November 18, and got to experience snow and have his first ever snowball fight.
On Tuesday, November 19, Bishop Moses visited Wakefield Cathedral, while on the Wednesday he visited Almondbury.
On Thursday, November 20, Bishop Moses visited Halifax Minster, presiding at the daily Eucharist service, eating with members of the Mothers’ Union and meeting with the Mayor of Calderdale.
On Friday, November 21 the Benefice of Hartshead, Roberttown and Scholes hosted Bishop Moses, where he spent time visiting each of the three churches in the benefice and speaking with parishioners.
There he explained about the challenges faced by the church in Rorya.
After being shown around Roberttown C of E Junior and Infants School, Bishop Moses enjoyed a classic lunch of soup followed by Yorkshire curd tart and Parkin.
The visit concluded with a visit to Hartshead Junior School, where he was guest of honour at their celebration assembly.
The Revd Stephen Rochell, who helped to show Bishop Moses around the benefice, said: “The Bishop’s visit brought home the strength of our links with Mara, Tarime and Rorya and that the Swahili phrase Bega kwa bega, shoulder to shoulder, is as strong now as when the link was initiated thirty six years ago.”
After a quiet Saturday, Bishop Moses spent Sunday, November 23 at Bradford Cathedral, and attended a service for installing new Canons at the Cathedral.
On his last full day in the diocese, on Monday, November 25 Bishop Moses spent time with the Bradford area Mission Apprentices, and visited the Shine project at St Stephen’s West Bowling.
The Ven Cat Thatcher, Archdeacon of Pontefract, said: “We have been delighted to welcome Bishop Moses of Rorya in Tanzania to the Diocese over the last 8 days, and to refresh the friendships he made when he was with us a year ago.
“During the week he has visited friends across the diocese, as well as joining us for a special service of Choral Evensong at Bradford Cathedral for the installation of Honorary Canons.
“Almost all his planned visits have been able to go ahead, despite the extreme weather conditions we have faced this week - and last Monday, Bishop Moses was able to enjoy his first ever snowball fight!
“My huge thanks go to the many people involved in welcoming and hosting Bishop Moses, especially to the Revd Canon Hilary Barber, and to the Revd Bill Henderson, without whom the visit could not have happened.”