Information on our Linked Dioceses

Oxford diocese is linked with the Mothers' Union in three dioceses in the Democratic Rebublic of the Congo and four dioceses in Nigeria.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo:

The Church is committed to peace and reconciliation work and is well placed to help with this and physical rebuilding of the country.

ARU - This young Diocese has 20 parish clergy, each with 10-20 sub-parishes. They are un-salaried and work long hours on their fields to support their families. They are rarely able to meet their new Bishop, Titre Ande. HIV patients have to go by lorry across the border to Arua in Uganda to get their medication which is not available in Aru. The MU is running a Sunday School with 90 children in 3 classes. People are still unable to move back to Bunia because of continued fighting. We pray for God's help to lay good foundations for the MU in this new Diocese and to work for peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. 

BOGA - All four Archdeaconries are affected by rebel action with much looting. MU work goes on with groups for Bible study, prayer and social activities; groups for widows, unmarried mothers and training for clergy wives. There are seminars on how to avoid HIV/AIDS; on married life and spiritual life; peace and reconciliation; on caring for orphans. MU Workers have very long and difficult journeys to visit groups. They run a bakery, micro-credit finance to fund small businesses, sewing and knitting classes for refugees and parenting courses. We pray for God's help to take their marriage vows and family life more seriously and with stronger commitment and to accept the challenge to live transformed lives.

Bishop William Bahemuka has recently been enthroned as the new bishop of Boga.

KISANGANI - This is a very big Diocese and travel, mainly by boat, is very difficult and dangerous. Bishop Botolome's wife died in March 2006 and Mme Nanga Faida succeeded her as MU President. The MU has monthly prayer meetings, assists widows and visits prisoners; they run courses on HIV/AIDS, marriage and family life and parenting. The women support their families by buying crops and other things and selling them locally. Pray for God's help as they demonstrate the love of God outside church walls throughout the week, in every area of society, helping to rebuild lives blighted by the legacy of civil war.

Bishop Botolome of Kisangani

In Nigeria:

Like Congo, Nigeria is about the size of Western Europe. State and Presidential elections were held in April 2006. We pray for God fearing leaders in every state. The four Link Dioceses are in Imo State in Eastern Nigeria.

OKIGWE NORTH - This year began with a Prayer Conference in January at the Cathedral of St Barnabas. MU members contributed to the roofing of this new cathedral. 400 members were enrolled in 2006 and many more are preparing fir membership. MU groups help build schools, visit young churches, care for widows, orphans and the poor and help the Motherless Babies' Home. We pray for God's help to support and encourage communication between parents and children and to grant his peace and enabling grace to build up the diocese to his honour and glory.

OKIGWE SOUTH - This young Diocese thanks God for continuing growth in the MU groups. This is a small rural diocese with poor roads. MU projects include a small loan scheme to establish small businesses and a sewing school. There is an annual MU Conference which really encourages the members; and local groups for prayer, Bible study and teaching about marriage and family life. Women's World Day of Prayer and Mothering Sunday are important events. We pray for God's help to put faith into action to reach many more people with the Good News of Jesus.

ORLU - Each year begins with a Service of thanksgiving and rededication at which members are challenged to live by the standards of Christ's commands. Members fast and pray twice monthly for the growth of the Church. MU members organise activities and training for girls and young mothers. The 'Daughters of Dorcas' take clothing and food to elderly indoor members, young widows and children. The 'Women of Hannah's Faith' have special prayer for childless women. Local industries include production of table water, toilet rolls, soap and candles. We pray for God's help as they tackle the huge challenges facing them especially as many members need both prayer and material encouragement.

OWERRI - The MU thanks God for growth in faith and membership - now about 15,000, including 2,000 indoor members. Big projects include a Christian Guest house, Conference and Retreat Centre and a new Cathedral hall. They run many courses for women and girls and there are training courses for clergy and church workers' wives. Much help is given to widows and orphans. This year the emphasis is on putting their faith into action in their local communities. We pray for God's help as they aim to encourage members to be sure of their personal relationship with Christ and to live a transformed Christian lifestyle.