Bishop Charles Koete of Melanesia

There are at least 200,000 Anglicans out of an estimated population of 700,000 in Melanesia. The primacy is vacant, and Rt. Rev. Charles Koete will represent the province. Koete, rector of the Parish of Tulagi, Gela Islands, is the first Bishop of the Diocese of Central Solomons. He is also the paramount chief of Gela.

Gela lies between Guadalcanal and Malaita and is often caught between these warring islands during ethnic conflicts, which can disrupt the flow of supplies to these subsistence communities. In 2003 Bp Koete welcomed a multinational force sent to intervene in the tensions. Mary Koete, a community elder on Gela Island, said “It may be hard but the important thing is we’ve got to address the root cause of the problem. If we can’t do that openly and honestly with trust then I should think that we will not be as noble as we should be.”

Foreign logging companies had exploited the Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands is one of the world’s least developed countries and did not have adequate laws to protect its natural resources. The Bishop banned all logging activities in his diocese. He went to a new logging campsite near Bola village on South Gela and raised a wooden rugged cross with a notice halting further work on the site. A resolution passed by the Diocesan Synod declared logging is not development but destruction. A spokesperson said, “All diocese can make decisions on their own which affect their members. And in this case the diocese synod has made a stand, and that is the authority that the bishop has in enforcing that decision on this particular logging operation.”

Prayer from the Melanesian Mission:

O Jesus,
Be the canoe that holds me up in the sea of life;
Be the rudder that keeps me in the straight road;
Be the outrigger that supports me in times of temptation.
Let your Spirit be my sail that carries me through each day.
Keep my body strong so I can paddle steadfastly
on in the voyage of life. Amen

Dear Lord, may it be so for Bishop Koete at the primates meeting in Alexandria. Amen.

News article on Central Solomon Synod
Description of logging exploitation in Solomon Islands, p. 14-15
Litany of the Melanesian Mission
Wiki article on Church of the Province of Melanesia

Addendum to primate list

Received via e-mail from Kenneth Kearon, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion–

Three provinces are currently without a primate. When a primacy is vacant, the Senior Bishop or the Dean of the Province is invited to represent the Province at the Meeting.

Bp Albert Chama will represent Central Africa,
Bp Charles Koete Melanesia; and
Bp Errol Brooks West Indies.

Archbishop of Tanzania

The Bishop of Dar es Salaam, the Rt. Rev. Valentino Mokiwa was elected Archbishop of Tanzania on Feb 28. An Anglo-Catholic, Bishop Mokiwa was part of the majority in the Tanzanian House of Bishops that voted to break relations with the US Episcopal Church. Prior to his election as Archbishop, he made a visitation to Holy Trinity Anglican Church in San Diego, a breakaway parish of the Diocese of San Diego that had affiliated with the Province of the Southern Cone.
His first year has been full. He challenged the government’s contracts with the foreign multinational gold mining companies. In August fighting broke out in the small town of Nguruka in the diocese of Western Tanganyika near Lake Victoria after Muslim evangelists accused an Anglican evangelist of blaspheming Islam.

Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your servant Valentino. Take hold of his right hand and speak to him, “Do not fear. I will help you.” Show him the way forward in Tanzania and in Alexandria. Amen.
Isaiah 41:13

Mark 1:35

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, he went out and departed to a solitary place; and there he prayed. (Mark 1:35)
      Holy Spirit, build into the lives of your people in this diocese the daily discipline of watching with Jesus in prayer for an hour. Help us all offer up the first fruit of our day by rising early and spending time alone with him.

A word received: Hope in me; wait on me.

Wednesday: 119:1-24; Isaiah 41:1-16; Ephesians 2:1-10; Mark 1:29-45
Thursday: 18:1-20; Isaiah 41:17-29; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 2:1-12

      Notes from the Front Line

***** PTL! My eye surgery to remove a cataract seems to have gone well. Now I have two plastic eyes, just like Jean. Torre

Albany Intercessor

Anglican Primates Picture Gallery 2009, part 1

Last Update: January 14, 2009 (Part 2 will be posted separately later this week.)

Note: clicking on each photo will give you a larger image.

This entry is available for download and printing as a Word document HERE.

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Anglican Communion Primates: A Picture Gallery (part 1)

The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia
The Most Revd William Brown Turei
photo credit: The Episcopal Church Online

Primate since Feb. 2006. ACO biography, L&B 2007 Profile, Wikipedia, Province News (ACO),  Province News (Conger), Province website and news page

God, who from of old taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: grant ______ by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

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The Anglican Church of Australia
The Most Revd Phillip John Aspinall
Photo Credit: BBC

Primate since July 2005. ACO biography, L&B 2007 Profile, Wikipedia, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province website

Almighty God, you have given your Holy Spirit to the Church to lead us into all truth: bless ___________ with the Spirit’s grace and presence. Keep him and the Primates steadfast in faith and united in love, that they may manifest your glory and prepare the way of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

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The Church of Bangladesh
The Rt Revd Paul Sishir Sarkar – NEW PRIMATE
(We have been unable to find a picture or biography)

Primate since November 2007, L&B 2007 Profile (Bangladesh), 2009 Profile,  Province news (Conger)

God of power, whose Holy Spirit renews your people. May the boldness of the Spirit transform ______, the gentleness of the Spirit lead ___________, and the gifts of the Spirit equip ______ to serve and worship you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil
The Most Revd Maurício José Araújo de Andrade
Photo Credit: Diocese Anglicana de Brasília

Primate since July 2006, L&B 2007 Profile, Wikipedia, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province website

Eternal God, giver of love and power, your Son Jesus Christ has sent us into all the world to preach the gospel of his kingdom: confirm __________ in this mission, and help him to live the good news we proclaim; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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The Episcopal Church of Burundi
The Most Revd Bernard Ntahoturi
Photo Credit: The Rev. George Conger

Primate since June 2005, ACO Biography, L&B 2007 Profile, Province website, Wikipedia, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger)

Almighty God, who called your Church to witness that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself: help ________ to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may be drawn to you; through him who was lifted up on the cross, and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

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The Anglican Church of Canada
The Most Revd Frederick J Hiltz – NEW PRIMATE
Photo Credit: Anglican Church of Canada

Primate since July 2007, ACO biography, L&B 2009 Profile, ACC website biography, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province website, Anglican Journal

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for _________, that in his vocation and ministry he may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

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The Church of the Province of Central Africa
currently vacant
Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger)

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Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America
The Most Revd Martin de Jesus Barahona
photo credit: Episcopal Life Online

Primate since 2002,  ACO Biography, L&B 2007 Profile, Wikipedia, Province news (ACO), Province overview

Almighty God, you have entrusted to your Church a share in the ministry of your Son our great high priest: inspire _________ by your Holy Spirit to offer himself to you, that strengthened by your power, he may work for the increase of your kingdom and set forward the eternal praise of your name; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

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Province de L’Eglise Anglicane Du Congo
The Most Revd Dr. Fidèle Dirokpa
Photo Credit: The Rev. George Conger

Primate since: 2002, L&B 2007 Profile, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger)

God our Father, Lord of all the world, through your Son you have called us into the fellowship of your universal Church: hear our prayer for ____________ that in his vocation and ministry he may be an instrument of your love, and give to your servant ________ the needful gifts of grace; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

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The Church of England, Archbishop of Canterbury
The Most Revd Rowan Douglas Williams
photo credit: Archbishop of Canterbury website (Lambeth Palace)

Primate since: 1999 (Wales), 2003 (Abp. of Canterbury), ACO Biography, L&B 2007 Profile, Bidding Prayer, Abp. of Canterbury website

Heavenly Father, whose ascended Son gave gifts of leadership and service to the Church:  strengthen ____________ and the Primates to be good stewards of your manifold grace;  through him who came not to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many, Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui
The Most Revd Paul Kwong
Photo Credit: The Episcopal Church Online

Primate since: Feb. 2007, ACO Biography, L&B 2007 Profile, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province website

Almighty God, whose Son revealed in signs and miracles the wonder of your saving presence: renew ________ with your heavenly grace, and in all his weakness sustain him by your mighty power; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

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The Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean
The Most Revd Gerald James (Ian) Ernest
PhotoCredit: Picasa web (Lambeth 08 gallery)

Primate since: Feb. 2006, ACO Biography, L&B Profile 2007, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger)

Go before ______ Lord, in all he does with your most gracious favour, and guide him with your continual help, that in all his works begun, continued and ended in you, he may glorify your holy name, and finally by your mercy receive everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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The Church of Ireland
The Most Revd Alan Edwin Thomas Harper
Photo Credit: Church of Ireland website

Primate since: Jan. 2007, ACO Biography, L&B Profile 2007, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province website, Church of Ireland news page

Holy God, we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ: may __________ reflect his life in word and deed, that all the world may know his power to change and save. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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The Nippon Sei Ko Kai (The Anglican Communion in Japan)
The Most Revd Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu
Photo Credit: Celinda Scott, Anglican Fellowship of Prayer (e-mailed to us)

Primate since: May 2006, ACO Biography, L&B Profile 2007, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province news releases

Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters we do also for you: give ________ the will to be the servant of others as you were the servant of all, and gave up your life and died for us, but are alive and reign, now and for ever.

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The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem & The Middle East
The Most Revd Dr Mouneer Hanna Anis
Photo Credit: Episcopal News Service

Primate since: Feb. 2007, ACO Biography, L&B Profile 2007, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province website, Primate’s blog

Almighty Father, who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: give ________ such knowledge of Christ’s presence, that he may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life and serve you continually in righteousness and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.

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The Anglican Church of Kenya
The Most Revd Benjamin M P Nzimbi
Photo Credit: Anglican Church of Kenya

Primate since: 2002, ACO Biography, L&B Profile 2007, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province website, Province press releases

O Lord, from whom all good things come: grant to ___________ your humble servant, that by your holy inspiration he may think those things that are good, and by your merciful guiding may perform the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

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The Anglican Church of Korea
The Most Revd Francis Kyung Jo Park
Photo credit: The Rev. George Conger

Primate since: June 2006, ACO Biography, L&B Profile 2007, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger)

Risen Christ, you filled your disciples with boldness and fresh hope: strengthen _______ to proclaim your risen life and fill him with your peace, to the glory of God the Father.

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The Church of the Province of Melanesia
Currently vacant, election scheduled for March 2009

Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province overview, Province website (Melanesian Mission)

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La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico
The Most Revd Carlos Touche-Porter
Photo Credit: Episcopal Life Online

Primate since: Feb. 2004, ACO Biography, L&B Profile 2007, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger)

Eternal God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life: grant _______ to walk in his way, to rejoice in his truth, and to share his risen life; who is alive and reigns, now and for ever.

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Acknowledgments and Notes:

Photos: Thanks to ENS, ACNS, and Global South Anglican blog for permission to use photos from their websites. We have attempted to provide detailed photo credits for all pictures, with links to their original context.

A note on the prayers: All the prayers here are from the Church of England Common Worship website, from the page of Collects and Post-Communion prayers. Prayers have usually been very slightly adapted to make them appropriate to use as intercessions for others. There was no attempt to pick a prayer for a specific primate, so nothing should be inferred from what prayer is listed for a particular bishop. Instead, prayers were chosen that focused on themes of guidance, mission and evangelism, the empowering of the Holy Spirit, leadership, servanthood, faithfulness to Christ — which we considered important themes and prayer needs for all the Primates, thus we assume the prayers are interchangeable for any Primate.

Copyright: This compilation of photos, links and prayers was prepared in January 2009 by the Lent & Beyond blog team (http://anglicanprayer.wordpress.com/) to facilitate intercession for the Anglican Primates. Please feel free to distribute it widely as long as proper attribution is given, including the link to Lent & Beyond.

For more information, contact us at: AnglicanPrayer@gmail.com