Bishop Sean and Jenny joined members of the Friends of Cyprus and the Gulf for their AGM at All Hallows-by-the-Tower, just next to the Tower of London, on St Swithun’s Day (Monday).

“We were delighted to welcome our new President Bishop Sean and Jenny,” said Friends chairman the Reverend Canon Chris Butt. Friends enjoyed a chance to catch up with one another, as well as to hear “a thumbnail sketch of Bishop Sean’s” first 50 days. 

The meeting was followed by a Eucharist, where Bishop Sean presided and preached. He gave thanks for “a joyous reunion of friends and colleagues who continue to support the diocese through prayer and fundraising”.

The AGM marked the end of Anne Lloyd’s time as Secretary after several years in the role, with Linda Smith elected in her place. Linda has had links with the Diocese for 38 years, including 14 years as churchwarden at St Andrew Kyrenia which she regularly visits.

“We are hugely grateful to the All Hallows staff,” Chris said: “to the curate, Jen Midgley-Adam, who oversaw all the practical arrangements and the churchwarden, Di Robertshaw, who masterminded an excellent lunch. The Diocese is prayed for every day in All Hallows and they treasure this link.” 

Travelling on to Yorkshire, Bishop Sean and Jenny also had the opportunity to introduce themselves to Bishop Clive and Jane Handford. Bishop Clive was the fourth to lead the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf: Bishop Sean (the sixth) described the meeting as an “enormous pleasure privilege”.