Newly appointed chaplains to the Diocesan Mothers’ Union the Reverend Franklin Isaac and the Reverend Jim Young were warmly welcomed last night in an online service of introduction, attended by MU members and led by Bishop Sean—patron of the Diocesan MU.

Fr Jim is parish priest at Christ Church Jebel Ali. Fr Franklin is associate priest at St Christopher’s Cathedral and chaplain to Mission to Seafarers, Bahrain.

Bishop Sean began the service with a reading from Ephesians 1:15-19.

In his reflection, Bishop Sean referred to scholars such as N.T. Wright, who note the “cosmic and universal tone” of Ephesians—its focus “less on local problems and more on the big picture of God’s plan in Christ”.

“As chaplains to the Mothers’ Union,” said Bishop Sean, “you are commissioned to help members understand how their work connects with the big picture of God’s mission in the world, the Anglican Communion, and Mothers’ Union values worldwide.

“You are called to be a challenging visionary, inspiring the Mothers’ Union to deepen its spiritual life while responding prophetically to contemporary issues. To be such a visionary, you must yourself be grounded in prayer and filled with the fire of God’s spirit.

“As you are formally introduced to one another tonight, we give thanks for your willingness to serve God’s people in this ministry, and we pray for a release of the gifts and grace of God within you to fulfil this calling.”

Diocesan MU president the Reverend Christine Mbona introduced the chaplains and outlined their roles, followed by words of welcome to chaplains and their wives, Grace Franklin and Sheryl Young, from co-president Pauline Mitra.

The service ended with the Lord’s Prayer and a blessing from Bishop Sean.