The Revd Helen Sammon, Diocesan Link Officer for our Western Tanganyika (DWT) partnership, has stepped down from her role after 10 years of dedicated service. She tells us about some of the ‘best bits’ from her past decade in office.
The Diocese of Gloucester currently has four international partnerships: Western Tanganyika in Tanzania, the Diocese of Västerås in Sweden and the Dioceses of Karnataka Central and Dornakal in India. Each partner Diocese has a dedicated link officer, who manages the partnership, investing significant amounts of time and energy in nurturing these relationships.
Helen’s connection with DWT runs deep. Having lived and worked in the diocese, she said, “Never a week goes by without a message or an email from friends and colleagues in Tanzania. In a typical month we share personal news and prayer requests, link sponsors and supporters and plan celebrations of the partnerships, as well as planning visits.”
Her journey began in 2009 when she visited Western Tanganyika shortly after Bishop Michael initiated the link. Already familiar with East African life from living and raising her family in Kenya, Helen embraced an invitation to serve at the Bible College, teaching theology and ministering as a priest.
She said, “It was a really special time. I loved seeing the joy and excitement that people have in their faith and the huge numbers of people who gather for worship.”
Returning to the UK in 2014, Helen took on the role of Link Officer, focusing on deepening relationships between Christians in the UK and the Tanzanian diocese.
Helen reflected, “One of the highlights has been the absolute joy of knowing we are part of a worldwide Church and that God’s work is vibrantly alive in different places and contexts.”
Helen also witnessed significant progress for women in ministry: “When I lived in Western Tanganyika, I was the only female priest in that half of Tanzania. The conversation about female priesthood was just beginning in Tanzania, but since that time women have seen much wider acceptance, with the first female priests being ordained last summer.”
Even in retirement, Helen’s heart remained with DWT. During lockdown when socialising was not possible, she asked that funds for her parish leaving party be sent to the Bible College instead:
“The food there is very basic, so for them to have a big celebration was very special. I got lots of videos on WhatsApp – it was wonderful to see everyone having a great time.”
Helen says that regular meetings here with a group committed to the partnership has been transformative, enabling the link with DWT to thrive and to develop in new ways such as relationships between churches and schools, and through sponsorship and safeguarding. She is always encouraged by the large number of supporters of the partnership throughout our diocese.
Bishop Robert said, “Helen’s deep connection to Western Tanganyika, her commitment to the people and the places and the dedication to the furthering of the worldwide Anglican Communion is inspiring to see. Both Bishop Rachel and I have had the privilege of spending time with Helen (and Alaistair her husband) in Tanzania and seeing and learning from the deep connections she has made there. We are deeply grateful for her long-standing contribution to the thriving of this partnership.
“Bishop Rachel and I are delighted Helen’s work will be continued by Becca Faal, Diocesan Strategic Lead for Safeguarding Training and Learning, and Alison Dight who will share the voluntary role of Link Officer for DWT.”
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