Aug
5
To our beloved in the Lord, the Right Reverend Azad Marshall
It gives me great pleasure to be able to send you greetings through our dear brother Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali on this day of great joy and significance for the Diocese of Iran. As you assume your responsibilities as the sixth Anglican Bishop in Iran, be assured of our continued prayers, and those of countless Anglicans throughout the world, for the crucial mission of Christian witness you shall oversee.
You will know from our meetings in Pakistan and here at Lambeth Palace, that the affairs of the Anglican Church in Iran are regularly in our thoughts and prayers. Your efforts in restoring the diocesan structure to provide a solid foundation for the future have been particularly valued and it is encouraging to see the focus on raising up a team of co-workers bearing fruit. The task of building relationships with government and religious leaders is an important element in the ministry to which you are called and we look forward to working with you in promoting deeper mutual understanding.
In recalling some words of St Paul in his letter to the Hebrews (10:32-38) I wish upon you and your family, your fellow bishops in the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, the faithful of Iran and all those gathered to celebrate your installation in Tehran our Lord’s richest blessings.
Rowan Cantuar