Members of Synod met this week in Bahrain, opening on 2 February with an uplifting Opening Eucharist at St Christopher’s Cathedral, with the Right Reverend Sean Semple presiding. As the Diocese marks its 50th Anniversary, the 2026 Synod theme is A year of Jubilee—found in Leviticus 25 and fulfilled in the ministry of our Lord Jesus (Luke 4.18-19). Synod ended today, with members joining the congregation of St Christopher’s Cathedral for Morning Service.
Day 1
The Synod Opening Eucharist included the licensing of two clergy—Canon Walter Brownridge, to be Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in Nicosia and Canon to the Ordinary, and the Reverend Navina Thompson, to be parish priest of St Helena Larnaca—as well as the collation and installation of six Canons:
Mrs Louise Bougourd, as an Honorary Lay Canon of St Christopher’s Cathedral
The Reverend Dr Michael Mbona, as an Honorary Canon of St Christopher’s Cathedral
The Reverend Prem Mitra, as an Honorary Canon of St Christopher’s Cathedral
The Reverend Gill Nisbet, as an Honorary Canon of St Christopher’s Cathedral
The Reverend Dr Don Binder, as an Honorary Provincial Canon of St Christopher’s Cathedral
The Venerable Fuad Dagher, as an Honorary Provincial Canon of St Christopher’s Cathedral
Bishop Sean began his Presidential Address with the unusual request that members of the congregation remove their watches from their usual wrist, to wear it on the other…
And then he spoke of this unusual Diocese—a spiritual home for indigenous Christians in Iraq, and for Christians from around the world in parishes across the Gulf and Cyprus.
“The majority of our parishioners come from the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Africa, and our congregations are thus incredibly diverse: at the Church of the Epiphany in Doha there are no less that 58 different nationalities worshipping together. Such diversity in churches is unknown in most parts of the world—and indeed would seem almost unbelievable to many.”
This Diocese, he said, “serves as a powerful illustration to the Anglican Communion and to the world, of how multinational churches can exist and flourish, and do so in the Middle East. Perhaps it is fair to say that we go beyond illustration to a prophetic witness that confronts the many ignorant and toxic narratives about diversity, co-existence and religious tolerance in the world today.
“What is improbable about our Diocese intersects with what is seemingly impossible, because throughout its history the Diocese has operated on a skeleton staff and shoestring budget. It is served at any one time by about 23 stipendiary clergy, three Diocesan office staff, two part-time archdeacons and a bishop. Very often our Diocesan life evokes a sense of a David and Goliath struggle for survival—or offering a boy’s lunch to feed a multitude. We do experience existential pangs every so often. But this is our story—the story of God’s provision and faithfulness to indigenous and migrant Christians at the crossroads of the world.”
Turning to the first reading, Bishop Sean said, “Leviticus calls on his people to sound the trumpet to hallow the fiftieth year, and to proclaim a year of Jubilee. This year our Jubilee celebrations hallow the fiftieth year of this unique Diocese, and express our deepest gratitude to God for bringing our improbable diocese through impossible circumstances ‘safe thus far’.
And he invited each parish of the Diocese to find its own and authentic way to celebrate how it has made Christ known during the last 50 years.
“Some parishes have already begun to plan special Golden Anniversary services; and I have also heard of Bible studies on the biblical concept of Jubilee; displays of photographs and artefacts from the last 50 years; former parish priests being invited to preach and offer their memories; and of ‘1976 parties’ where people will come dressed in the style of that time!
“How the trumpet is sounded in your context is entirely up to you—but I hope that you will share your story through our Diocesan Facebook page and website, so that throughout the year we can see a rolling celebration of gratitude and praise to God.”
Referring back to those watches—no doubt now presenting an “unwelcome and uncomfortable change”—Bishop Sean said, “I challenge you to keep your watch on this wrist just for the duration of Synod and see how you feel about it in three days’ time. The chances are that you will find yourself adapting to this change. Let us not fear the changes, the growing pains, of a diocese that is open to the Spirit of God. What God changes, he transforms, and blesses.”
The Province and its Dioceses were born on the Feast of the Epiphany in 1976. “I find much in the journey of the Magi that describes the life and ministry of this Diocese,” said Bishop Sean. “The Magi travelled from afar: so have the people of this Diocese. The Magi represent God’s plan to call and save the Gentile world: this Diocese presents and reveals Christ to the nations of the world. The Magi brought gifts to the Christ-child: we bring our gifts to serve Christ in the churches of the diocese. The Magi were drawn by a star: we are called to ‘shine like the stars’ and ‘let the light of Christ shine before people, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven’. We are an Epiphany Diocese and Epiphany people.”
The Opening Eucharist included a Diocesan Jubilee Hymn, written by the Reverend Canon Chris Butt.
In the evening, Synod participants were honoured to be joined by His Excellency Osama Bin Saleh Alalawi, Minister of Social Development, and other special guests for a Jubilee Gala Dinner, generously hosted by This is Bahrain at the Gulf Hotel.
Bishop Sean welcomed guests, reflecting on the sense of excitement and encouragement Synod members would take from their time in Bahrain—a sense of its hospitality, and a newfound awareness of the mutual tolerance and peaceful coexistence that is possible around the world.
The British Ambassador to Bahrain, HE Alastair Long, reflected on the significance not just of this 50th Anniversary Synod in the Kingdom, but also of Bishop Sean’s Consecration and Installation two years ago at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Manama—an event that he said His Majesty King Charles had been pleased to learn more of, particularly given his respect for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s continued and longstanding commitment to interfaith dialogue.
Betsy Mathieson of This is Bahrain presented a thought-provoking picture of the history and lived reality of that religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. Reflecting on the female priests of the Diocese present along with Bishop Moira Astin from the Diocese of Exeter, she noted too the historic appointment of the Most Reverend Sarah Mullaly as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. And she celebrated the remarkable reach and work of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf.
On behalf of the Diocese, Bishop Sean thanked This is Bahrain and honoured guests for joining members of Synod and the congregation of St Christopher’s Cathedral for a truly special evening.
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DAY 2
Synod participants gathered on Tuesday morning for a service of Eucharist led by the Venerable Mark Derry, with Bishop of Thika the Right Reverend Julius Wanyoike preaching.
The first Synod session opened with the lighting of a candle and the Synod prayer, in a main conference hall decorated with floral arrangements in the colours of the Diocese—a wonderfully thoughtful gesture by Synod supporters, This Is Bahrain.
Synod Speaker Martha Jarvis—Anglican Communion Permanent Representative to the United Nations—gave an opening address on ‘The Cry of Jubilee’. Referencing Matthew 6:12—And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors—she reflected on what Jubilee might offer a changing world order.
“The Cry of Jubilee is twofold,” said Martha. “It is the cry of pain of those experiencing injustice, and it is the cry of joy of all—powerful and oppressed alike—who experience the freedom of knowing God is more powerful than any of our possessions and systems.”
Her thought-provoking contextualisation of her own wide-ranging experiences and reflections on texts biblical and secular provided a framework for discussion groups to dig deeper into several proposed questions:
- How is global change affecting your parish?
- Where do you hear the cries of injustice and the cries of joy?
- What gifts does your parish have? How do they help you respond?
- What could this diocese offer to a world crying for Jubilee?
Synod business began with the Bishop’s Report, followed by updates from the Reverend Canon Don Binder on the wider Province and the Middle East Council of Churches, from Archdeacon Fuad Dagher on the Diocese of Jerusalem, as from Provincial Synod lay member Bassam Dawany.
An extended session on the work of the Bishop’s Task Force and motions relating to existing and proposed structures of the Diocese and its archdeaconries concluded with a presentation from vice-chair Manisha Cornelius on the recent parish survey.
At the conclusion of Synod business for the day, guests and representatives received a Golden Anniversary commemorative gift—a tile handcrafted in the Holy Land by Balian of Jerusalem, featuring the Lord’s Prayer in Arabic.
Bishop Sean was himself moved to receive from the Most Reverend Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, an arrangement of flowers beautiful in themselves—and still more so for a message conveying Bishop Aldo’s congratulations to Bishop Sean and the Diocese on its Golden Jubilee “of Anglican witness and pastoral presence”.
“This anniversary,” wrote Bishop Aldo, “offers a moment of thanksgiving to Almighty God and a renewed invitation to continue proclaiming the Gospel through works of mercy, dialogue and peacebuilding.
“We look forward to continuing this spirit of collaboration in practical service to the community.”
Just before sunset, Synod participants gathered at a small harbour to board dhows and motorboats for an Interfaith Service at Sea, against the backdrop of the setting sun—an event special in ways that most had rarely experienced.
Prayers were offered for those who work at sea, for all the sea provides and for those whose lives have been lost at sea, including in the Al Dana dhow tragedy. These prayers were led by Bishop Sean; Mission to Seafarers Regional Director the Reverend John Attenborough; chairman of the Bahrain International Seafarers Society Captain Ali Haji Hassan Alghawas; honoured representatives of the Bohra community and the Hindu, Sikh and Baha’i communities; Elis Jones of St Christopher’s Cathedral and Awali Church; Royal Navy Chaplain the Reverend Newton Ndlovu; and Pastor Blaine. The service was supported by the generosity of Oak Group Holdings.
The day was brought to a close with Compline.
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DAY 3
A retreat led by the Reverend Franklin Isaac on Wednesday evening provided an opportunity for peaceful reflection in the beautiful gardens of Princess Sabeeka Park, before the Synod Chrism Eucharist at Awali Church. Bishop Sean presided at the service, which included the renewal of clergy vows, with Bishop of Crediton the Right Reverend Moira Astin preaching.
The day began with Morning Prayer in the hotel chapel, led by the Reverend George Vidiakin.
There followed a second address by Synod Speaker Martha Jarvis—Anglican Communion Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Drawing on 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12, Martha invited reflection on what the Church had to say at a time of global transition: about all nations coming together in Revelation; of all people finding a place in the body of Christ; and of the body “feeling what the other parts feel”.
Exploring these themes, Martha referred to international, ecumenical interventions to resolve conflict in South Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo; and to initiatives such as the Communion Forest and Lungs of the Earth. She also encouraged participants to read the Nairobi-Cairo Proposals, which aim to help Anglican churches navigate difference and divisions, upholding the call of all Christians to sustain the unity of the Church (available at https://www.anglicancommunion.org/ecumenism/iascufo/the-nairobi-cairo-proposals.aspx) Participants then broke into workshop groups.
Synod business got under way with reports from Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor Linda Balfe, and on Diocesan programmes—St Mark Famagusta and Christ Church Aden, including a written report from Mansour Yousuf, director of the Ras Morbat Eye Clinic, sharing something of the challenges faced—and exceptional service offered—by its staff amidst continued violence, power shortages and deep economic uncertainty in Yemen.
Henry Ikediego, St Mark’s lay representative, described the ongoing difficulties and joys of its student congregation—a moving testament to their faith that inspired a generous donation from St Barnabas Limassol to help support the work of the Church in Famagusta.
There was also a report on the Ministry programme, with DDM the Reverend Kent Middleton outlining important changes to Diocesan processes of discernment and training, including a new, yet closer relationship with Queen’s College, Newfoundland.
The afternoon session focused on the Diocesan budget, as well as reports from SFC and news from Companion Diocese of Exeter, presented by the Right Reverend Moira Astin, Bishop of Crediton.
The afternoon Chrism Eucharist at Awali was followed by dinner at the Bapco Club, a wonderful event generously sponsored by Bapco Energies and an opportunity to thank the people of St Christopher’s Cathedral and the staff of Mathias Middle East for all their help in organising Synod in Bahrain.
The day ended with Compline at the hotel chapel, led by the Reverend Navina Thompson.
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DAY 4
The last day of Synod business on Thursday began with a Morning Eucharist led by the Reverend Prem Mitra, with the Reverend Canon Walter Brownridge preaching.
Synod Speaker Martha Jarvis then delivered her final address, on ‘The Cry of Love’.
“Truth and mercy have met together. Justice and peace have kissed.”
Martha reflected first on Psalm 85: 10, before inviting Synod members to join her in considering John 4—The Woman at the Well; Host and Guest—The Power of Presence; An Unloving Status Quo—The Power of Gentleness; and An Ordinary Day—the Power of Freedom.
Martha’s talks have been an exceptionally important part of Synod 2026, skilfully combining wide experience and deep insight to offer truly special perspectives on a world in transition and the role of the Church in it.
Meetings of the Houses of Clergy and Laity were followed by reports from the Reverend Franklin Isaac of Mission to Seafarers Bahrain; the Reverend Canon Chris Butt, chair of the UK Friends; Michael Cole, chair of the Foundation; and the Worldwide Mothers’ Union, presented by its president Kathleen Snow—who undertook a 10-kilometre run around Bahrain’s Old Fort today, to mark the 150th anniversary of the Mothers’ Union. (To sponsor Kathleen, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/kathleen-snow-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=C)
Synod was also pleased to hear news from Companion Diocese of Thika, presented by Bishop Julius Wanyoike, as well as a video from Bishop Jay Magness of the US Friends. An update on the work of the Constitutional Review Committee was presented by the Reverend Kent Middleton.
In the afternoon, a discussion with a representative of the UN International Organisation for Migration provided an opportunity to learn more about the work and challenges facing the IOM and the people and governments it works with in the region.
Bishop Sean closed Synod business with a reflection on his favourite Psalm: Ps131.
O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvellous for me.
Expressing his gratitude to This is Bahrain—an organisation that helped “make tangible the wise and peaceful vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa”—Bishop Sean said, “I cannot image a more generous welcome than we have experienced.
“Something ‘too great and too marvellous’ has happened during this Synod for me to adequately name or express, but I think we all know that we have been part of something transformative that has exceeded hopes and banished fears.”
Evening Prayer, led by the Reverend Dr David Jarratt, was followed after dinner with Compline, led by the Reverend MD Johnson.
DAY 5
Members of Synod had the great joy of taking part in Friday Morning Service at St Christopher’s Cathedral—a particularly special service, as the congregation came together to bid a fond farewell to locum priest the Reverend Robert Penrith and his wife, Gay. And special for Synod members for the opportunity to share once more in worship together before departing for parishes across Cyprus and the Gulf, filled with the promise of this Diocesan Year of Jubilee.
Along with the people of Synod attending the service at St Christopher’s came a spoon, and a pot filled with sand from the parishes of the Diocese: a pot to be stirred, not in the usual sense, but in a spirit of unity. For grains of sand blended can never each be returned to the respective jam jars in which they came.
