The Bishop of Kustia, the Rt. Rev. Samuel Sunil Mankhin, to succeed the Most Rev. Paul Sarker of Dhaka

The Bishop of Kustia, Samuel Sunil Mankhin, has become Moderator and Primate of the Church of Bangladesh, succeeding Bishop Paul Sarker, who will retire as Bishop of Dhaka in February. The Church of Bangladesh is a united Church – in addition to being a full member of the Anglican Communion, it is also a member of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. Its constitution requires that its moderator stands down three months before retirement as a diocesan bishop. Bishop Samuel has been succeeded as deputy moderator by Bishop Shourov Pholia from the Diocese of Barisal.

“All congregations of the Church of Bangladesh have been praying for a smooth leadership transition and God finally has granted our prayers and helped us to do so”, the Provincial Secretary, James Das, said. “Please join the entire congregation of the Church of Bangladesh and clergies in congratulating them in their new roles.

“Please also pray for them as they need to continue to work prayerfully with the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they are to settle many issues and handle a few other transitions until they become fully functional in their respective roles. This is a time of thanksgiving, a time of prayer and a call for a united mission.”

Mr Das also expressed thanks to the Church of Bangladesh’s supporters “for your support and fellowship extended to our departing Moderator, Paul S Sarker, during his tenure of service and request for your continued prayer support as he and his family prepares for the retirement.”

He asked for prayer for the new Moderator and Deputy Moderator and their families, and said that the “Church of Bangladesh is pledged bound to continue our relationship with you in the years to come to carry God’s Mission to the whole world.”