The Bishop of Mandeville in the Diocese of Jamaica, the Rt. Revd Harold Daniel, and who is himself a former Church Army Evangelist, has been appointed Chairman of the Council of Church Army International. He takes over from Mr Roy Totten from Northern Ireland.

Bishop Daniel who is married to the Revd Canon Judith Daniel grew up in Montserrat and moved to England as a young man living and worshipping in North London. It was from there that he responded to a call to serve God as an Evangelist in Church Army. He trained at the organisations college which was at that time in Central London. He had hoped that it might be possible to return to his home country of Montserrat. However following his training he was sent to work with Church Army Jamaica and he has remained in that country ever since.

Bishop Daniel spent eighteen years serving as a Church Army Evangelist in Jamaica working in various parishes, and also as the Diocesan Youth Evangelist.  Following ordination he served in a number of parishes in the Kingston and Montego Bay areas. He was elected Suffragan Bishop of Mandeville eight years ago.

Commenting on the appointment, Philip Johanson, the International Secretary of Church Army said 'Bishop Daniel is well placed to take on this responsibility, bringing as he does to the task first hand experience both of Church Army and a commitment to evangelistic mission. He was for eighteen years a Church Army Evangelist himself. He brings many years experience of international mission having served on various committees related to mission and evangelism in the Anglican Communion. He is also in demand as a speaker at various mission and evangelism conferences especially in the Caribbean.

The appointment of Bishop Daniel as Chairman of the International Council came during the recent Church Army International Leaders Conference which took place in the Diocese of Jamaica. During the conference delegates from around the world shared in the 50th anniversary celebrations of Church Army Jamaica.

Philip Johanson, International Secretary of Church Army spoke at a 50th anniversary celebration banquet at the Ruin at the Falls Hotel near Montego Bay. He reminded those present that whilst it was appropriate to look back in thanksgiving, it was also important to look ahead for all that God has in store for the future. He challenged the Church Army and the Diocese to discover new and appropriate ways of reaching out to young people, the majority of whom have little or no active contact with the local church.

Delegates at the International Conference joined with many local people on the final day of the conference for a service of thanksgiving. The Bishop of Jamaica preached, taking as his text the Great Commission at the end of Matthews Gospel. He reminded people that the challenge of Christ was not to make converts but disciples.

The work of Church Army Jamaica was pioneered by Captain Ernest Cousins of the UK at the invitation of Bishop Percival Gibson. This followed a visit to the Diocese by the Revd E Wilson Carlile, grandson of the founder of the organisation, and at that time it's Chief Secretary. Captain Cousins had been working in Trinidad and moved from there to start this new work. He led the work for over thirty years and in the process married his Jamaican wife Monica. They now live in retirement in Cumbria.

Ends

Further information from:

Philip Johanson – 07850 736322
Bishop Daniel - +1 876 625 6817

Editors Notes

Church Army International brings together the various organisations around the world for fellowship, support and the sharing of ideas and good practice in the area of evangelism. It is also responsible for exploring new partnerships and the development of possible new work in countries were the organisation is not currently represented.

The Chairman of the International Council is Bishop Harold Daniel and the membership includes a Board/Council representative from each area of the world where it is currently at work.

The International Secretary is Philip Johanson OBE who was previously Chief Secretary of Church Army UK for sixteen years.