The Revd John Attenborough is the Regional Director for Mission to Seafarers in the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) as well as Chaplain to the Cyprus Ports and Associate Priest at St Barnabas Church in the diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. He spoke to Anglican News about directing a mission team in war-torn regions and his experiences over more than thirty years with the Mission to Seafarers.

What is The Mission to Seafarers?

1.89 million men and women work onboard seagoing ships around the world. Seafarers are responsible for transporting over 90% of the world’s goods and fuels. However, they often go unrecognised for their work and are in one of the world’s most dangerous occupations. Seafarers are at risk from shipping accidents and piracy. They also face a variety of mental health challenges, including loneliness and anxiety. The Mission to Seafarers provides practical and pastoral support to this vital international workforce.

Where did it all begin?

The Mission to Seafarers began as the Bristol Channel Mission in 1853, the idea of Church of England minister John Ashley, who saw the loneliness and spiritual needs of Seafarers in his coastal parish of Bristol. This became the Mission to Seafarers in 1856, 170 years ago. Now, the Mission works in over 200 ports across 50+ countries that are open night and day, 365 days a year, caring for seafarers of all ranks, nationalities and beliefs.

A personal ministry that spans three decades

Revd John’s work with the Mission spans three decades. He’s worked in Belgium, Kenya, England and now Limassol in Cyprus. Christ’s call to ‘love your neighbour’ and the story of the Good Samaritan resonate in his ministry. Acts 28 is also a source of inspiration, as it speaks of the ‘unusual kindness’ local people showed to Paul when shipwrecked on the island of Malta.  ‘We love all seafarers, regardless of who they are, where they're from and what faith they believe in. And I think that's the greatest thing that we're able to do’, to be ‘there for all seafarers… regardless of race, colour or creed’.

At St Barnabas in Limassol, where Revd John is Associate Priest, a church window depicts a ship accompanied by the verse from Matthew 25:35: ‘for I was a stranger and you welcomed me’. The Church actively supports seafarers, including Christmas gifts and family support.

Human Connection and a Ministry of Presence

Operating as a global network and present in ports around the world, Revd John explains that the ‘human element’ or ‘ministry of presence’ is vital in supporting seafarers.  The mission’s team of chaplains and other volunteers aim to be ‘a smiling face in a foreign place’. In an era where there’s an app or chatbot for many aspects of life, the people the Missions to Seafarers support value human connection above all.

Ministry to seafarers in places of conflict

Based in Cyprus, Revd John continues to see how conflict in the Middle East and the Gulf is impacting seafarers. Being aboard a merchant ship in such conditions can be hazardous. Targeted attacks on military and naval infrastructure are frequent and feared. He explains that many are traumatised, have anxiety about further attacks, or fear for their dependents’ livelihood should anything happen to them. Crew members, once the mission’s ships are alongside, often ask, ‘Are we safe?’ The mission team do their best to offer reassurance.

In the Strait of Hormuz, the mission has been trying to use digital tools to connect with people on stranded ships. Another ship, anchored in the Gulf for a long time, witnessed a missile hit a sister ship. When the ship managed to leave the area and arrive in the port of Colombo, the team went on board and spent several hours talking and praying with the crew members. Teams in the region help abandoned crews by providing fresh food and water and offering a listening ear and counsel.

The Mission to Seafarers are steadfast in their commitment to being a physical presence in difficult areas of the world and to providing pastoral and prayer support in turbulent times.

More information

Learn more about the Mission to Seafarers.

Learn more about the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf.