Bishop Handford leads service in Bahrain churches

Bishop Clive Handford was to officiate yesterday at St Christopher's Cathedral and Awali Church, "in the presence of other Gulf clergy, will bless the oils used by clergy during the year in healing and marking key sacramental events" Bahrain Gulf Daily News said yesterday.

Cyprus-based Bishop Handford was elected at the provincial synod in Cairo, Egypt, as president-bishop of the region, stretching from Iran to Morocco, the repoprt said, adding "Bishop Handford will become the primas inter pares (first among equals) on May 1 of the other three Anglican diocesan prelates in the Middle East."

Bishop Handford will return to Bahrain next month "to assess with the church council various candidates for the post of dean," Gulf Daily News reported.