Bishops from four countries have gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, for what organisers describe as a pioneering international church meeting focused on faith, justice, and global partnership.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Rt Rev Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn, said the gathering brought together church leaders from “very different contexts – some marked by displacement and persecution – but we are one in Christ.”

The week-long meeting includes Bishop Philip, Bishop Joseph Aba of Liwolo Diocese in South Sudan, Bishop Dintoe Letloenyane of the Free State in South Africa, and Bishop Leo Paul of Multan in Pakistan.

The event, organised by Christian Aid, is believed to be the first of its kind. It aims not only to strengthen links with Lancashire but also to encourage long-term collaboration between the partner dioceses. The bishops travelled from sharply contrasting realities, including Liwolo Diocese, where communities live in exile due to ongoing conflict, and Multan Diocese, where Christians frequently face persecution.

Bishop Philip said: “When one part of the Body of Christ hurts, we all hurt; when we walk together in Christ, we are stronger and more resilient.”

During the visit, which runs until 3rd February, the bishops are taking part in prayer and relationship-building. Activities include a roundtable with staff at Christian Aid’s Africa head office and visits to projects tackling poverty and food insecurity in Nairobi’s informal settlements. There is also a planned visit to Nairobi Wildlife Park for relaxation.

Bishop Philip added that he hoped the week would “deepen friendship, spark practical collaboration and strengthen our family of link dioceses.”

Christian Aid said the trip offers an opportunity to understand “the challenges behind issues such as poverty, migration, and climate” and how churches can help communities “push back against injustice.”