Since 2008 when the first contacts were made, an increasingly important companion relationship has developed between the Church of England Birmingham and the Anglican Diocese of Bolivia. Our South American partner is the newest in the Anglican Communion. So far it has established five congregations in four major cities and three or more church plants are in formation.
Through a series of reciprocal visits between Bolivia and Birmingham strong cross cultural friendships have been forged. The most recent visit in August 2023 involved an 11 member team from Birmingham. The programme included engagement in worship and witness, and a short residential training conference.
Our Anglican Partners in Bolivia are bearing their witness of hope and life through Christ in a crisis situation in their country. Through a collapse in the national economy people are out of work and living costs are rising steeply. Remuneration of clergy is increasingly difficult, and many are working voluntarily. In spite of these difficulties churches are bearing an active and fruitful witness, as shown in these photos.
Partnership in pictures
The congregation of Cristo Luz del Mundo in Santa Cruz
The Anglican congregation in Tarija
A house church in El Alto
La Trinidad Church Cochabamba
Prayer ministry on the Altiplano
A training conference in Cochabamba. Distribution of books written by Bishop Maurice.
Bishop Walter celebrating communion
Ministry in an Old People's Home, La Paz
Opportunities for Sharing
We share with the Anglican Church in Bolivia through prayer and interchange of visits, but also with gifts to create opportunities and meet needs. Donations can be received for Bolivia through the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) that many of you will be familiar with. Once you access PGS using this link, you will be able to choose which area you wish your donation to support.
Click on 'parish' and then enter the category for the gift you want to make, choosing from the five categories listed below.
On a regular basis the categories for gifts and corresponding references in the Parish Giving account are as follows:
- Birmingham Bolivia Training
- Birmingham Bolivia Clergy Welfare
- Birmingham Bolivia Outreach
- Birmingham Bolivia Visits
- Birmingham Bolivia Emergencies
Priorities for Prayer
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That those undertaking the Diocesan programme of training will be effectively equipped for ordained and lay ministry
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That the clergy may receive adequate financial support
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That five congregations will succeed in reaching more people with the gospel in their respective neighbourhoods, and new church plants will be establish including one on the Altiplano.
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That a ministry to families and children in poverty may be sustained
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That a united Christian witness in the nation may lead to the political divisions and economic problems of Bolivia being resolved
A Message from a Bolivian Pastor
Our Anglican Church of La Trinidad in Cochabamba is filled with joy knowing that we have partner churches praying for us. We ask our God to continue his work in your lives and in your ministry.
Juan Cris Alanes, Rector