The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Philip North, has returned from a successful trip to Nairobi in Kenya where he forged closer links when meeting with the Bishops from three of our four link Dioceses over nearly a week they spent together. 

Bishop Philip met with Bishop Joseph Aba, from Liwolo Diocese in South Sudan; Bishop Dintoe Letloenyane, from Free State Diocese in South Africa and Bishop Leo Paul of Multan Diocese in Pakistan.

Blackburn Diocese is also linked with Braunschweig Diocese in Germany but they are currently in a vacancy period between Bishops. 

Part of the gathering was supported by Christian Aid which coordinated some of the itinerary on two of the days; including a visit by the Bishops to the All Africa Conference of Churches (pictured top). 

As well as further strengthening relationships between Blackburn Diocese and its link dioceses, the gathering also have the additional purpose of fostering stronger long-term collaboration between the partner dioceses as well. The Bishops were joined by Rev. Sam Cheesman who is chair of our Link Committee. 

During the week the entire trip was chronicled on social media via Bishop Philip’s and Diocese of Blackburn’s social media channels including Bishop Philip on Facebook and Instagram as well as Blackburn Diocese on Facebook and Instagram. There is also a reel summarising the visit on Bishop Philip's Facebook page now and another reel to come shortly on the Diocese's Facebook page. 

There has been extensive media coverage including on BBC Radio Lancashire, which featured voicenote reports sent during the visit by Bishop Philip (listen here from 2hr 53min 10secs). 

Bishop Philip commented: "We had a great time supporting each other and praying together while also seeing something of what churches are doing on the ground here in Nairobi and beyond.

"We have also been working with Christian Aid, looking at some of the projects they run here too. It's been a time of real inspiration and encouragement while learning about what it means to lead our churches in different contexts and also what it means to serve in his name." 

Stories featuring the visit appeared in the Lancashire Post, Lancashire Telegraph, Premier Christian News and many more; while the visit was also highlighted by the Anglican Communion.

There are further stories post-visit still to come including interviews with Transworld Radio and the Church Times. Look out for those. For a summary of the full itinerary the bishops participated in during their week in Kenya, click here. 

Meanwhile the new song being premiered on Sunday, in conjunction with international development agency Christian Aid, is written by Kenyan musician Pete Odera, pictured meeting Bishop Philip.

It is part of an initiative to raise the profile of black Christians in the climate justice movement.

The single, Your Great Name, will be available to stream or download having been performed and filmed last week in Kenya for the first time during the Bishops' summit. 

• For more about the song visit this page on the Christian aid website.
• Further details and livestream for Sunday’s Cathedral service here.  

All pictures: David Macharia/Christian Aid

Ronnie Semley, February 2026