CHURCH members travelled more than 6,000 miles to celebrate 25 years of friendship with a Christian community in Peru.

A group from the Diocese of Worcester visited the Diocese of Peru last month, touring churches and projects in Lima, Arequipa and Chiclayo.

The two dioceses have had a friendship link since 1992, while a number of parishes in Worcestershire and Dudley also have individual ties to Peruvian churches.

The group – from Worcester were led by Bishop John, who cut a celebration cake with Bishop Jorge Luis Aguilar of Peru.

Bishop John said: "I first went to Peru 30 years ago and was amazed by the contrasts there, geographical and human. From magnificent Pacific coastline you move east to the driest desert in the world, then on to Andean peaks before dropping into the Amazon jungle.

"The contrast between people are just as stark – from immense wealth in the centre of Lima to abject poverty in the vast shanty towns and beyond.

"A few years ago the Anglican Diocese of Peru was just some well-to-do expatriates worshipping in a cathedral in Lima. Then an extraordinary expansion began leading to some wonderful work amongst the poorest of the poor.

"We visited a project for disabled children set on a hillside with the shanty town towering above it. It brings hope to children and their parents who would otherwise have none."

Bishop Jorge was recently appointed and ordained by Pope John Paul II.

They also have three Peruvian assistant bishops who work in the different areas of the country.

Bishop John added: "Bishop Jorge and I cut a cake to celebrate the 25 years of our partnership together. As always during the visit there was much that we were able to learn from our Peruvian hosts and I’m looking forward to continuing to work together over the next 25 years!"