A Continuing Witness in The Church of Bangladesh
Founded following Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, the Church of Bangladesh lives out its motto, ‘Witnessing Christ’, by sharing the love of Jesus through both faith and action. In a country where many people do not have reliable access to healthcare, education and social support, the Church works alongside communities to meet urgent needs.
A recent visit by USPG’s Regional Programme Co-ordinator, Nadia Sanchez, provided an opportunity to strengthen our partnership, hear directly from programme leaders and local communities, and to witness the impact of the joint initiatives between USPG and the Church of Bangladesh.
The visit began in Chittagong for the 100th anniversary of Christ Church. Christian worship in Chittagong dates back to 1839, while the present church on Jubilee Road was consecrated in 1926.
Alongside The Rt Revd Samuel Sunil Mankhin, Moderator of the Church of Bangladesh and Bishop of Dhaka, and other distinguished guests, the centenary was an opportunity to celebrate in the spirit of Psalm 126: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.” (verse 3).
Take a moment to give thanks to God for Christ Church, its leaders and all those it has served over the past 100 years.
Human trafficking is a serious concern in communities along the India–Bangladesh border, as people can often be targeted with false promises of employment or marriage. The Church’s Anti-Human Trafficking Programme in Khulna Division helps people recognise the risks of exploitation. Nadia met the team at a local parish to hear how recent training is raising awareness, with participants sharing that they had begun to share what they have learnt with neighbouring communities.
There was also a special visit to Bollobhpur Mission Hospital which has its own remarkable history of service. The Director, Sister Gillian Rose, moved from England to Bangladesh in 1964 and began working at Bollobhpur in 1981. More than six decades later, she continues to be a beloved part of the nursing team.
Here, USPG supports the hospital’s three-year nursing and midwifery training programme for young women aged 16-25. The initiative provides professional skills and qualifications, opening pathways to employment and greater independence. Many graduates have gone on to secure nursing and midwifery positions elsewhere, helping strengthen healthcare provision beyond the hospital itself.
There is more exciting work ahead, including the development of new Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives to improve access to clean water. “The programme is already making promising early progress and has significant potential for the future” says Nadia following a meeting with Senoy Sarkar, Director of SHALOM, the Church of Bangladesh’s social action ministry.
USPG is humbled to walk alongside the Church, supporting its leadership and shared commitment to healthier, safer and more hopeful communities. “The visit highlighted the breadth of the Church of Bangladesh’s ministry, and the difference it is making in communities across the country.” concluded Nadia.
Thank you for your support, and the impact you are helping to make possible.
Let us pray:
Loving God, we give thanks for the Church of Bangladesh, its leaders and all who serve. Thank you for its years of witness, and for the many ways it shares Christ’s love through healthcare, education, trafficking prevention and safe water.
Continue to bless all of its ministries, including Bollobhpur Mission Hospital.
May the Church and its partnership with USPG continue to flourish, bringing hope and practical care to many more people.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen