Our links with Ghana were given an important boost last week following a visit from Bishop Bev and others. The group was in the country to learn from and pray with our Triangle of Hope partners. That Highlights of a very varied trip of school, parishes and cathedral visits included key sites in the slave trade and a meeting with the King of Ashanti. Bishop Bev also preached at an ordination of three priests in the presence of the President.
The group visited ‘The Last Bath’ where enslaved Africans were first washed, sold and branded before being marched to Cape Coast Castle. In this hallowed place, we broke bread. Inside the castle walls and underneath its chapel, they stood where hundreds of enslaved Africans were crammed awaiting their transport as cargo across the Atlantic - through the door of no return and on to the ships, many of which were of course owned by Liverpool merchants.
Next they met Bishop Victor, the diocesan bishop of Cape Coast, who offered very generous hospitality, before journeying to Kumasi. In Kumasi, they were greeted by Bishop Oscar, the diocesan bishop-, who spent time in Liverpool back in January. He and his team provided outstanding hospitality and gave up much time ensuring that the group were able to engage fully with diocesan life including visiting schools, parishes and day centres.
The group were given the great honour of meeting King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the King (Asantehene) of the historic Ashanti Kingdom which forms most of Ghana and once included parts of Togo and Ivory Coast.
Canon Malcolm Rogers provided the King with a brief update of progress since their last meeting in 2018, and then Bishop Bev was asked to pray God’s blessing upon him and the people of Ghana. It was a powerful, spirit-filled and humbling moment, as all the group, which included Archdeacon Pete, Annie Spiers, Canon Debra Walker and David Walker can testify.
Over the next few days the group visited parishes, schools, day centres, the cathedral and parishioners homes from around the diocese. A particular high point was the twinning of All Saints Asante Primary School with St Thomas’ School, Lydiate
On Sunday the group attended the Ordination Service of three new priests. The President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo attended which meant that security was tight. Even so, around 2000 people from around the diocese people packed into St Cyprian’s Cathedral. Lasting well over four hours long, and filled with the most amazing music, drumming, praying and praising, Bishop Bev preached a sermon focused on guarding that which God has given and which can so easily be lost if we let our eyes drift away from Jesus. Beginning her sermon in the local dialect of Twi (pronounced Chee), she thanked the Bishop and his team for their welcome, to great applause. As a committed Anglican (like the King), Nana Akufo-Addo received communion, anointing and prayer. Another powerful, humbling and spirit-filled moment we were able to witness.
Towards the end of the gathering, the most astonishing moment occurred. The Liverpool group were called forward one by one, prayed for and given a thank-you gift. Bishop Bev was then called forward. Bishop Oscar pretended to have run out of the gifts we had been given and looked around for urgent assistance. ‘Is there anything we can give her?’ he called out to his team. They appeared holding the most beautiful African stole, cope and mitre. Woven exquisitely from Kente cloth, and signifying the highest welcome and authority in Kumasi, it fitted her perfectly. They had taken so much time and trouble and given so very sacrificially to make this happen. The cathedral erupted in applause as team Liverpool dissolved into tears.
After the service, it was a fast turnaround to visit the private residence of King Otumfuo who had insisted we call in on our way to the airport. It was good to chat with him again if only briefly and to share lunch, before a very fast journey back to Kumasi airport courtesy of the King’s security cortege.
Bishop Bev said, ‘Doors opened for us in unimaginable ways, the Lord being our Guide. I praise and give thanks to God for the vision He has given us for the Triangle of Hope and for the faithful and outstanding work of Canon Malcolm and our partners in Virgina and Kumasi. The Link has never been stronger! I look forward with joy to its continued shaping.
About the Triangle of Hope
The Triangle of Hope brings together the Dioceses of Liverpool, Kumasi (Ghana) and Virginia (USA). . It includes projects here in Liverpool such as Tsedaqah House which brings young people from around the Triangle to live in Liverpool for a year, The Slavery Truth Project and the Inter-Diocesan Youth Pilgrimages (which gather next in Liverpool 2023). You can be involved if you aren’t already, by your prayers, in your giving, and using your skills (there are opportunities for trusteeship, mentoring, deanery champions, logistics support and much more).
Please contact Canon Malcolm Rogers Malcolm.rogers@liverpool.anglican.org to arrange a chat over a coffee.
Read more about the Triangle of Hope here