| A SOMERSET VICAR has been appointed suffragan bishop in Kenya, it was announced this week.
The Revd Rob Martin, Vicar of Holy Trinity, Frome, has been appointed Suffragan Bishop of Marsabit, in the north of the country, by the Archbishop of Kenya, the Rt Revd Benjamin Nzimbi. He will be consecrated in the newly formed All Saints’ Cathedra diocese in Nairobi.
Speaking this week, Mr Martin said he was greatly looking forward to his new post, as he had worked in Kenya as an accountant for the diocese before he was ordained. But was very concerned about the political situation, “which is very sad and damaging to everyone”.
Mr Martin is being sent out by Crosslinks, an Anglican mission agency, which means he needs to raise his own support.
“That area is not directly affected by the current troubles,” said Mr Martin, “but of course there is an indirect effect across the whole country.”
He said that he had concerns about being appointed to a senior position above an indigenous priest, but believed it was because of tensions in the area, where there are many Muslims. “I think I have been appointed as a neutral figure.”
Mr Martin and his wife visited Marsabit at the end of last year. “I will cover an area the size of England which is served by 15 priests, as well many evangelists and church workers. Where possible, we will be flown around by MAF planes; otherwise it will be by Land Rover, as none of the roads are tarmaced.”
Mr Martin will be consecrated in March and will take up the post full-time in October.
www.crosslinks.org
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