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LankaTalks  | Sri Lanka’s Kirby de Lanerolle to lead 11,500 global free churches

Jun 27, 2024

Bishop Kirby de Lanerolle's recent appointment as the General Secretary of the International Independent Apostolic Diocesan Synod (IIADS) has been covered by mainstream Sri Lankan news channels. His new role covers more than 11,500 churches across South Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and the United States.

LankaTalks  | Sri Lanka’s Kirby de Lanerolle to lead 11,500 global free churches

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The Apostolic Diocese of Ceylon (ADC), in partnership with the Indian National Apostolic Diocese (INA), is excited to announce a significant expansion of its mission globally. With the new appointment of Bishop Kirby Sinclair de Lanerolle as the General Secretary of the International Independent Apostolic Diocesan Synod (IIADS), with a mandate beyond the 670 churches in Sri Lanka to 11,000 churches in India, the Middle East and the USA.

For the past decade, the ADC has been serving, covering, and representing free and independent churches in Sri Lanka. The ADC School currently trains upto 400 pastors and Christian leaders from across the island.

Bishop Kirby de Lanerolle, alongside his wife Fiona, has been a transformative force in Sri Lanka's religious community. His leadership is characterized by an unwavering commitment to reconciliation and nation-building, supported by inter-religious dialogue that fosters religious harmony and justice. He advocates against the suppression and oppression of minorities. Previously guided by the late Rev. Dr. Neil Obeyesekere, they now consider Dave Hodgson of Kingdom Initiatives Ministries as their spiritual father and mentor. Bishop Kirby de Lanerolle is under the apostolic covering of Bishop Paul T. Maran, who pioneered an episcopal governance model for non-denominational free churches, integrating local cultural practices and addressing societal issues with practical solutions. This model promotes an inclusive environment that prioritizes reconciliation, justice, and a "Solution-Based Gospel" over a conversion-based approach.

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