For over a decade, Church of England Birmingham has partnered with the Diocese of Bolivia in South America.
Churches and individuals across Birmingham and the wider region support colleagues in Bolivia through prayer, shared learning and financial provision.
Our Anglican partners in Bolivia are bearing their witness of hope and life through Christ amidst the country’s prolonged economic crisis. Many people are out of work, prices in the shops are doubling, and fuel is scarce. Remuneration of clergy is increasingly difficult and many work voluntarily.
Despite these challenges, churches are continuing to fulfil an active and effective mission and ministry.
Support for Bolivia – Summer 2026
In March this year Diocesan Bishop Walter Toro became seriously ill. Individuals and churches across CofE Birmingham generously responded to an Emergency Appeal, contributing over £6,700 for medical treatment. Sadly, Bishop Walter died in April 2026.
As a partner diocese, we want to do all we can to enable our Bolivian brothers and sisters to negotiate this period of vacancy before the appointment of a new bishop. Senior members of clergy are taking additional responsibility, and the priority is for donations directed to clergy welfare.
How to donate
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You can make a personal contribution by donating through the Parish Giving Scheme’s Giving to Bham Bolivia Emergencies specifying Birmingham Bolivia Clergy Welfare
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Churches can contribute by bank transfer to:
Account name: Birmingham Dioc Cent Fund – Bolivia
Account number: 00575701
Sort code: 12-05-65
Reference: Clergy Welfare
Priorities for prayer
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Comfort for Bishop Walter’s widow Adela and family in their bereavement.
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That the Anglican Church in Bolivia will have the spiritual and material resources to sustain its ministry and continue its mission in this interim period.
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That David Antezana, the vicar general, will be given strength and wisdom to fulfil his enhanced leadership role.
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That Bolivian congregations will remain active in outreach into their communities.
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That the current wave of violence in the cities may be brought under control.
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That Christian denominations in Bolivia may continue to work together for national renewal.
Alternative support
You can support other aspects of the ministry of the Diocese of Bolivia via the Parish Giving Scheme :
History of the Birmingham-Bolivia partnership
In 2008, supported by his bishop, a member of the clergy of the newly formed Anglican Diocese of Bolivia came to England seeking a companion diocese. He met with colleagues in Birmingham, and from that first contact an increasingly fruitful partnership has developed between the Church of England Birmingham and the Diocese of Bolivia.
In its short history our South American partner has established five congregations in four major cities and three or more church plants are in formation, including one high on the Altiplano.
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, who engaged in worship, witness, and a short training conference. In November 2025, we welcomed Bishop Walter Toro to Birmingham, where he visited eight congregations and shared time with Bishop Michael and clergy.
