A series of events will be taking place in June to mark the 40th anniversary of the link between the Diocese of Salisbury and the Episcopal Church of the Sudan.

There will be a special Eucharist in the Cathedral on Sunday 9 June, a major conference in Salisbury on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 June, and a garden party celebrating the Medical Link on Sunday 16 June.

"Our partnership with our brothers and sisters in both Sudan and South Sudan is at the heart of our life in the Diocese of Salisbury," said the Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend Nicholas Holtam.

It is hoped that a significant number of Sudanese bishops will attend celebrations and spend time in the diocese to strengthen the relationship.

"This will be a very significant milestone in our partnership as we give thanks for the past 40 years and look forward to the next 40 years," the bishop said.

Bishop Holtam hopes to carry on the relationship long into the future.

"It will be a major event for the diocese and we all look forward to welcoming our Sudanese friends."

In addition to the June programme, the annual Sudan Link Study Day will take place on 12 October
giving anyone with an interest in Sudan the opportunity to come together and hear updates about the situation in Sudan and South Sudan.