The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe undertakes walk in Donegal for Tanzania fundraiser

Their new itinerary began in Dunfanaghy with a talk in Holy Trinity Parish Hall by local historian and Columban authority Sean Canning

placeholder image — Their new itinerary began in Dunfanaghy with a talk in Holy Trinity Parish Hall by local historian and Columban authority Sean Canning

Rt Revd Andrew Forster was accompanied by the local Rural Dean, Canon David Skuce, who resorted to ‘Plan B’ after the first leg of their schedule – a ferry journey to Tory Island – was cancelled on account of a grim weather forecast

The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Rt Revd Andrew Forster, was in north-west Donegal on Thursday for the first in a series of seven walks he’s undertaking in his different rural deaneries to raise funds for the diocese’s linked Diocese of Kondoa in Tanzania.

The Bishop was accompanied by the local Rural Dean, Canon David Skuce, who resorted to ‘Plan B’ after the first leg of their schedule – a ferry journey to Tory Island – was cancelled on account of a grim weather forecast.

Their new itinerary began in Dunfanaghy with a talk in Holy Trinity Parish Hall by local historian and Columban authority Sean Canning. From there, Bishop Andrew, along with parishioners and friends of the Dunfanaghy Group, visited the ruins of the old Ray Parish Church, near Falcarragh – home to one of Ireland’s oldest and largest Celtic high crosses – before continuing to the ruins of the late medieval Tullaghobegley Church, a few miles away.

The group then headed for Ards Forest Park, in Ballymore Parish, where they carried on, on foot, along the park’s walking trails. The day ended with a service in St Finian’s and St Mark’s Church in Kilmacrennan.

Bishop Andrew will be completing a further six walks, varying in distance from 10 to 15 miles. On each, he plans to connect with local churches, stopping to pray enroute for the people and clergy of Kondoa and for the success of Derry and Raphoe’s partnership with the Tanzanian diocese. Local parishioners will be welcome to join him on each journey.

Arrangements are being made in local churches, allowing people to contribute to ongoing mission and ministry in the Diocese of Kondoa. Its Bishop, the Rt Revd Given Gaula, signed a five-year partnership agreement with Bishop Andrew in October 2024 involving a shared commitment to prayer, mission, and support in their dioceses. Bishop Given will be visiting Ireland during this season of Lent.

People can support this initiative on JustGiving - I'm raising £30000 to Assist the Anglican Diocese of Kondoa, Tanzania.