Archbishop Foley Beach and Canon Sean George: Mission Trip to Dubai and Pakistan
With the bishops of Church of the Pakistan outside the Central Cathedral of the Praying Hands.
Strengthening Ties Across the Anglican Communion
In late September and early October 2025, Archbishop Foley Beach and Canon Sean George embarked on a significant mission trip to Dubai and Pakistan, hosted by The Most Rev. Dr. Azad Marshall, Moderator Bishop of the Church of Pakistan and Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Raiwind.
The visit marked a deepening of fellowship and mission partnership between the Anglican Diocese of the South and the Church of Pakistan, building upon years of friendship and shared vision for the Gospel.
Fr. Drew Schmotzer, rector of St Martin’s Anglican Church in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Pictured here with Archbishop Foley Beach and Canon Sean George
Mission in Dubai
The journey began in Dubai, where the Rev. Mark Samuel warmly received Archbishop Foley and Canon Sean. While in the city, they met with Fr. Drew, who serves in Sharjah, to discuss the growth of Anglican ministries in the Middle East.
St. Thomas Center Dedication in Taxila and Ministry in Islamabad
Upon arrival in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, Archbishop Foley participated in an evening reception attended by local dignitaries and interfaith leaders, where he delivered a keynote address highlighting the importance of unity, peace, and faithful witness to Christ. During this gathering, Archbishop Foley also shared his personal testimony of how he came to faith, offering a powerful witness of God’s grace and transformation in his own life.
During their time in Islamabad, Archbishop Foley and Canon Sean were also hosted by the United States Ambassador, where they shared a time of meaningful fellowship and fruitful discussion about faith, peacebuilding, and the strengthening of interfaith relationships in the region.
The following day included meetings with government officials and church partners, followed by a journey to Taxila, where Archbishop Foley preached during a dedication service at the historic site where it is believed that Saint Thomas the Apostle arrived around AD 50 before traveling to Kerala, India, in AD 52.
Archbishop Foley Beach at excavated sight of a church built by the Apostle Thomas when he was in Taxila (before he went to India). They broke ground and dedicated the Trace Center, a place in Taxila for study and remembering the ministry of the Apostle Thomas in the region.
Archbishop Foley Beach and Canon Sean with the President Bishop Azad Marshal, clergy, and confirmands in front of the Chapel of St Stephen and All Martyrs.
Baptismal pool excavated in church the Apostle Thomas built.
Meeting with the American Ambassador to Pakistan and Interfaith Leaders.
Canon Sean George teaching on the Nicene Creed the celebration of the 1700 Anniversary of the Nicene Creed.
Celebrating the Faith in Lahore
The mission continued in Lahore, where Archbishop Foley and Canon Sean joined an interfaith dialogue promoting peace and mutual understanding, hosted at the largest mosque in Pakistan.
Archbishop Foley’s remarks were televised live nationwide, reaching millions and furthering the spirit of dialogue and reconciliation.
Canon Sean later led a teaching session titled “Celebrating the Creed: Guarding the Deposit in Today’s Church.” That evening, Archbishop Foley preached at a Confirmation, Commissioning, and Ordination Service at St. Stephen and All the Martyrs Chapel. The following day, His Grace also preached at the Central Cathedral of the Praying Hands, marking the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed and celebrating the unity of believers around the world.
At the conclusion of the trip, the visit included a moving student drama performance by the seminary students, titled “Light from Light,” powerfully depicting the faith and perseverance of the early Church.
A Witness of Compassion and Peace
During the trip, Archbishop Foley joined the Governor of Punjab, Islamic leaders, and bishops from the Church of Pakistan to distribute relief packets to those affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan. This outreach brought both practical help and a visible sign of unity across religious and community lines.
In recognition of his efforts toward peacebuilding and interfaith understanding, Archbishop Foley was awarded an International Peace Award by Islamic scholars in Pakistan.
Reflecting on the trip, Archbishop Foley shared,
“The courage and faith of our brothers and sisters in Pakistan deeply moved us. In the midst of challenges, the light of Christ shines brightly. The Church there is not only surviving, but also thriving in mission, compassion, and faithfulness.”Canon Sean added,
“It was an honor to witness firsthand the resilience of the Church in Pakistan and the spirit of unity among Christians and Muslims alike. This trip reminded me that the Gospel’s reach knows no boundaries…its light shines even in the most difficult places.”
A Strengthened Partnership
This journey reaffirmed the deep bonds between our Diocese and the Church of Pakistan, strengthening the partnership that continues to bear fruit in ministry, leadership development, and global witness. The Anglican Diocese of the South gives thanks for the hospitality of Moderator Bishop Azad Marshall, his clergy, and all who made this mission such a rich testimony of God’s grace at work across cultures and continents.
If you are interested in learning more about ministry in Pakistan, then please reach out to Canon Sean George at the Diocesan Office.
Helping give out food and supplies to victims of the horrible floods Pakistan experienced this past summer.
Archbishop Foley Beach receiving the International Peace Award.
We are always eager to share what God is doing through and among his people, and we encourage you to send stories, news, etc., with us so we may feature and share amongst the diocese.