Dr Redfern told members of the Diocesan Synod that this week's visit of Bishop Philip Marandih, Bishop of Patna and Deputy Moderator of the Church of North India, was a huge incentive to build on the £19000 raised last year for the Sudan: "This year, let's try to raise over £20,000 for our brothers and sisters in the Church of North India," he told elected clergy and laity.

Bishop Marandih expressed gratitude for his welcome and said that the partnership between the Diocese of Derby and the Church in North India meant a great deal to Christians in his home country.

"God has been with us on our journey. God has led us despite many difficulties for us to overcome," Bishop Marandih told his audience.

He added: "Don't forget that what unites each of us is that we have been called by God. I urge you to pray for those who are persecuted for their faith and to remember them."

There was a good deal of domestic business on the agenda for elected representatives to deal with.

The reports of the boards and committees of the Diocese for last year were tabled and received and discussions about the diocesan budget in the current financial climate took place.

"It was a good Synod and super to hear Bishop Marandih," the Bishop said today.