God of All the World

The afternoon event will feature a keynote address from Bishop Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, together with exhibitions, workshops and interactive displays exploring the Church's global relationships and mission partnerships.

A central feature of the day will be a large display mapping the international links held by parishes and schools across the Diocese of Chester. Organisers are keen to ensure that as many connections as possible are represented, from longstanding overseas partnerships to smaller acts of support and engagement.

The event programme will include a Hall of Displays featuring organisations such as Christian Aid, USPG, Wycliffe Bible Translators, MAF, Tearfund and representatives of the Anglican Communion. There will also be displays highlighting diocesan links with ABC (Congo) and Melanesia, alongside workshops on world music and Bible translation. Visitors will be able to explore an exhibition of images from The Christ We Share and view short films from participating organisations.

The celebration aims not only to showcase existing partnerships but also to inspire new conversations about mission, global friendship and Christian service.

God of All the World: A Celebration of Worldwide Mission

Saturday 26 September 2026 at Chester Cathedral

PROGRAMME

Some events run concurrently

12 noon – 4.00pm

· Hall of Displays from Mission Agencies and Chester Diocese Links

· Be creative with Resident Artist Kirushan Sivagnanam

· ‘The Christ We Share’ Exhibition (32 representations of Jesus from around the world)

· Short videos ‘Inspiring Connections’ from various agencies. Training Room.

12.30pm Green Room/Abbey Parlour

Bishop Anthony Poggo(Secretary General of the Anglican Communion)

with Malachi St Jean (Anglican Communion Office Advocacy/United Nations Team)

(Following Bishop Anthony’s talk, and Malachi’s short presentation concerning the Ebola Crisis, there will be time for questions. 50-60 minutes. Repeated at 2.30pm)

12.45pm Northgate Room

The Joys and Challenges of Bible Translation with Martin Dickson (Director for Churches at Wycliffe Bible Translators UK)

(Martin will focus on some interesting facts about translating the Bible in various cultures. 30 minutes. Repeated at 1.45pm)

1.30pm Green Room/ Abbey Parlour

Music from Around the Worldwith Geoff Weaver

(A practical singing workshop. Geoff is a renowned musician, composer, musical director and well-travelled expert in music from many cultures. 50-60 minutes.)

1.45pm Northgate Room

The Joys and Challenges of Bible Translation

(As above)

2.30pm

Bishop Anthony Poggo(Secretary General of the Anglican Communion)

with Malachi St Jean (ACO Advocacy/United Nations Team)

(As above)

3.45pm

Short concluding act of worship in the Display Hall

4.15pm

EVENSONG in the Cathedral.

(with a worldwide mission focus)

SUNDAY 27th 10.30am

Bishop Anthony will preach at the Cathedral’s Harvest Service

The Cathedral Refectory is open for food and refreshments. Hot drinks will be available in the Display Hall.

The event is organised jointly by Chester Cathedral and Chester Diocese’s Partners in World Mission (PWM) committee.