SomaliNet Forums

The new Bishop of Reading has been working in Ethiopia since 2002.

During that time he has helped refugees from Southern Sudan, carried out baptisms in crocodile infested rivers and met underground Christians in Somaliland.

But this week Bishop Andrew Proud has swapped remote villages in Africa for a trip to John Lewis in Reading and a visit to Vodafone in Newbury.

The Bishop told BBC Radio Berkshire: "human nature was the same everywhere."

Speaking to presenter Andrew Peach he said: "It's going to be different, but it is exciting to work with individuals and communities and to see them change and develop."

"Of course, life in Ethiopia is very different, we shall miss it."

Huge challenges

"We've seen people facing huge challenges but they've managed to maintain hope, real hope and real determination to try to work hard to change their lives and their lot for themselves and their families.

"I hope I can bring back those experiences back to this area," he said.

"I wanted to be in Reading and the diocese of Oxford, which is very committed to working with individuals and in communities to transform those communities."

Mr Proud and his wife Janice were appointed through the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (USPG) to work with the Anglican Church in Ethiopia in 2002.

Mr Proud initially served as the chaplain of St Matthew's Church in the capital Addis Ababa.

War torn

Then, in 2007, he was appointed as the Area Bishop for the Horn of Africa, an area, within the Diocese of Egypt, that includes Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somaliland and Somalia.

Despite visiting neighbouring Somaliland in an attempt to set up a library and reading room, Bishop Proud was unable to visit war-torn Somalia during his years in office, as the country is so dangerous for Christians.

And even in Somaliland, Christians keep a low profile because the country is 99.9% Muslim.

Mr Proud said none of the seven Somali Christians that he met celebrated their faith openly.

He said: "I met twice with seven Somali believers, all of whom are underground. On the first occasion, I merely introduced myself, listened to their needs and opened the scriptures for them.

"On the second occasion, I baptised three young men and celebrated the Eucharist, which was the first time they had ever received communion.

During his time in the Horn of Africa, Mr Proud counted among his achievements setting up a wide-range of community initiatives in Ethiopia, including two libraries for schoolchildren in Addis Ababa.

I hope they refuse his proposals

Its a strange new world wallee.

al-shabaab viva

Even though i commend for the peace and stability in Somaliland. It always makes me wonder how the Isaaq leadership in Al shabab went to wage war in the south, when Somaliland itself does not have the Islamic rule they sought. There are more sins commited here then in Kismayo

Coeus wrote:Even though i commend for the peace and stability in Somaliland. It always makes me wonder how the Isaaq leadership in Al shabab went to wage war in the south, when Somaliland itself does not have the Islamic rule they sought. There are more sins commited here then in Kismayo

Actually, more sins has been committed in Kismaayo for the past 20 years. Do you know how many women have been raped in Kismaayo? How many children have been killed in Kismaayo? How many elders were tortured in Kismaayo?

Coues they are just doing that to get recognised by the priest. They tried Jews and said Shalom and now they are trying Messiha and are saying Halelujah, so don't make it sound like a suprise.

PrinceOfDarwiishLand wrote:

Coeus wrote:Even though i commend for the peace and stability in Somaliland. It always makes me wonder how the Isaaq leadership in Al shabab went to wage war in the south, when Somaliland itself does not have the Islamic rule they sought. There are more sins commited here then in Kismayo

Actually, more sins has been committed in Kismaayo for the past 20 years. Do you know how many women have been raped in Kismaayo? How many children have been killed in Kismaayo? How many elders were tortured in Kismaayo?

You are right

Hoorta , i am usually for humanitarian punishments to people, but if there is really isaaq christians in somaliland---they need to be dealth with. they need to whipped, their skin cut, and expose them to baas baas, and cut their tongue. No bishop or christian needs to be allowed in somliland. I understand my inaa adeers are gaalo wannabe be, and that it is a miracle to really find an isaaq wadaad, but seriously--my people need to change. Alaaahu akbaar!

Basra are you one?

Babygirl,

Wallaahay waad caqli badan tahay Sidey kiiska iskaga waalayso maaragatay? Dad bay war ka raadinaysaa... Dacuun dil..

Kambuli waan arka maacanto.

The equivalent of a somali welfare system is the qawiil system. Those who are unfortunate to lack inclusion within such a welfare system can either sit on the street and beg for their daily bread or accept the help provided by chritian groups. The aid provided at times comes with the adoption of the faith of those providing social support. I am surprised there are only 7.

I say let Allah judge them according to the tests Allah has provided them in this life.

It is easy to point fingers but rest assured The western backed government will also replicate everything already witnessed in the norther regions.

- No Gender discimination
- No Faith discrimination
- etc