News from The Diocese of Dornakal

The Diocese of Gloucester is in partnership with the Diocese of Dornakal in India. These links across cultures allow friendships to develop, helping people to understand one another better while exploring difference and shared faith.

The Diocese of Dornakal is currently preparing for the election of a new Bishop, following the forthcoming retirement of Bishop Padma Rao in June. The election is due to take place on 20 May, and seven candidates have been nominated. Please do hold the process and all those standing in your prayers at this time.

News from St Andrew’s, Kothagudem

St Andrew’s Church, Kothagudem, has been celebrating a joyful and fruitful Easter season, with many baptisms taking place. On Easter Sunday alone, the Revd Abhijith baptised 60 people within the worshipping community.

The congregation has also recently marked the church’s 21st anniversary with several significant improvements to its facilities. Following a sustained period of fundraising and generous giving, the church has installed extensive solar panels, helicopter fans and new air‑conditioning systems. The project was made possible in part through the generosity of the solar panel engineer, who offered his work on a not‑for‑profit basis.

As a large church serving a growing congregation in temperatures that can reach as high as 42°C during the summer months, these developments will make a considerable difference to both comfort and sustainability.

Looking ahead, St Andrew’s has also completed plans for a new English‑medium school and is currently awaiting planning permission before construction can begin.

Across the Diocese, schools have now closed for the summer holidays, while Class 10 students have recently completed their public exams.