The
Archbishop Of Canterbury Visits The Gambia
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Monday July 28th – Wednesday July 30th 2003
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From
The President of The Gambia:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I
have the honour, on behalf of His Excellency The President, Alhaji Dr. Yahya
A.J.J. Jammeh, to acknowledge receipt of your letter expressing gratitude for
the friendship and cordiality accorded His Grace the Most Revd. Dr. Rowan
Douglas Williams and Mrs. Jane Williams and the delegation during their visit to
the Gambia.
His Excellency The President has asked me to underscore the duty and
responsibility of his Government to extend hospitality to all Heads of Religious
denominations with due respect and dignity.
Indeed it has always been a pleasant duty in accord with the legendary Gambian
“taranga” reserved for visiting dignitaries to our peaceful country.
It is His Excellency’s prayerful wish that God the Almighty will continue to
give your Lordship the strength and wisdom to lead the Anglican Community in our
country.
Marcel L. Thomasi
FOR:
SECRETARY GENERAL
From
The Archbishop of the Province of West Africa:-
A Letter of Thanks from the Archbishop of West Africa
My Lord Bishop Tilewa and Mother Priscilla,
Greetings in Christ's name!
Just
a note to report my safe arrival in Ghana. The plane touched down at
10.45p.m. Juliana and my driver were at the airport to meet me. We
spent the night in Accra and left for Koforidua the following day.
I
returned to Accra on Monday morning for business. Since the confirmation
of the Bishop-Elect for Ho delayed quite a bit, I had to come back to the
Provincial Office to complete all the necessary correspondence and documentation
in readiness for his consecration on August 17. I have got it all out of the way
and I am now preparing to go to Sekondi for Juliana
Grace's wedding on Saturday. Preparations have gone so well so far, and we
hope the good Lord will shower his blessing on what we have done, and to guide
us through what lies ahead.
My Lord Tilewa and Mother Priscilla, how can I write on without pausing to say
"Gyeregyeve" for the wonderful time you gave the Archbishop and Mrs.
Williams, their entourage and me? I was deeply moved by the entire
programme and related activities. Obviously, you had gone to great lengths
to ensure a successful visit. Everything was simply
"fantabulous," and I warmly congratulate you and your officials and
friends who made things to happen the way they did. WE PRAISE THE LORD for
his guidance, protection and blessing throughout the visit. THANKS A LOT!
I shall write later to thank H.E. The President, the Vice-President, the
British High Commissioner and others Finally, thanks a million for according me
such a wonderful welcome and hospitality. But for the backlog of work, I
would have loved to stay on longer in my country. Your kind gifts are also
gratefully acknowledged. Convey my
thanks and greetings to all my good people of the Diocese.
I leave for Koforidua around 3.00 p.m. enroute to Sekondi. Though
you will not be with us in person we know you will be with us in spirit.
Do uphold us in prayer, please I trust the children are well.
Kindly remember me to them. Juliana sends her love. With love and prayers,
I remain, Yours,
+Robert, CPWA
From
The Archbishop of Canterbury:-
My
dear Tilewa
Please forgive me for only now being able to write to say how enormously
thankful I was for your most generous welcome and hospitality during my recent
visit to The Gambia. I deeply
appreciate the gifts you so warmly gave, which my wife and I will cherish for
quite some time to come. My entire
visit to West Africa was equally exhausting, exhilarating, impressive and hugely
successful. Thanks again for your
part in making it so!
I wish I could thank personally those who worked so hard preparing what
turned out to be an excellent visit. Alas,
I can’t, but I hope you will feel able to pass on my gratitude for looking
after me and my party so well.
Be much assured of my prayers for you, your family, your leadership, and
all the people of the Gambia.
With warm wishes to you and Priscilla,
Every
blessing
+Rowan
Cantuar