The Diocese of Leeds was pleased to welcome the Rt Revd John Msuma of the Diocese of Tarime in Tanzania for a visit recently.
Bishop John spent time exploring parishes and schools in the Wakefield and Huddersfield areas, deepening connections with our diocese, who have a strong link to the church in Tanzania.
The Ven Cat Thatcher, Archdeacon of Pontefract, said: “It has been a joy to welcome Bishop John to some of the schools and parishes of the Wakefield and Huddersfield areas.
“We enjoyed learning more about life in Tarime and sharing differences and a surprising number of similarities in church life.
“We look forward to renewing our friendship when a group from Leeds visit Tanzania in summer 2026.”
After arriving in the diocese on Monday, November 10, Bishop John spent time with the Rt Revd Malcolm Chamberlain, Bishop of Wakefield, before staying the evening with Bishop Malcolm and his wife Jo.
On Tuesday, November 11 Bishop John visited St Aidan's CE Academy Skelmanthorpe, hearing from the pupils there about their school.
Bishop John then attended a Eucharist at All Saints Batley, and spent time with the PCC at St Andrew's Batley, before being welcomed onto their outreach bus.
This is a partnership ministry with Dewsbury Team Parish which meets outside St Paul's Hanging Heaton every Tuesday from 3pm to 4:30pm.
On Wednesday, November 12, Bishop John spent the morning at St George’s, Barnsley learning more about their ministry in a challenging area, before having lunch with the Barnsley Chapter.
He then spent the afternoon with Fr Blair Radford at St Mary Magdalene’s, Lundwood and St Peter’s Barnsley.
On Thursday, November 13, Bishop John visited St Augustine’s CE School, Halifax, sharing lunch with the children and staff there.
Bishop John then visited Wakefield Cathedral, having some time to pray and reflect on his stay in England.
In the evening Bishop John attended Choral Evensong at the Cathedral, followed by a talk by the Revd Dr Megan Daffern, author and priest, on Praying with the Psalms.
On Friday, November 14, Bishop John enjoyed a tour of the Community of the Resurrection where he stayed for much of his time in our diocese, before heading to Holy Trinity School, Barnsley, where he was shown round the school by Fr Craig Tomlinson, who is a governor at the school.
Bishop John returned to Tanzania on Saturday, November 15.
To find out more about our diocesan link to Tanzania, please click here.