Bishop John writes:
My Lent Appeal last year was for Berega Hospitalin Tanzania: I would first like to thank you for your generosity in respondingto that appeal. I know how much it meantto the hospital: your support made a real difference.
This year, I am making an appeal in support ofthe Diocese of Peru and I invite you, as individuals and parishes, tocontribute. Our sisters and brothers in our partner diocese are facing greatfinancial struggles, sometimes finding it difficult to pay even the basicstipends of their clergy, let alone support those in most need.
Bishop Jorge has an exciting vision for thediocese as he and his colleagues seek to reach out to the poorest of the poorwith the good news of Jesus love. It would be wonderful to be able to send hima substantial gift from the Diocese of Worcester to support that developing visionand, in particular, to ensure the clergy get the training and support they needto be effective in their ministry.
May God bless you richly this Lent
To make a donation:
- Send a cheque payable to Worcester Diocesan Boardof Finance Ltd to Peru Appeal, Worcester Diocesan Office, The OldPalace, Deansway, Worcester, WR1 2JE. Download gift aid form.
- Visit the BT MyDonate website.
About the Diocese of Peru
From early beginnings as an expatriate church inLima, the Iglesia Anglicana del Per (IAP Anglican Church of Peru) has spreadsince the 1970s into some of the poorest communities in the country, mainly inLima. Work began in Arequipa, the second city, in the 1980s, and there are nowfour Anglican communities serving this area. Other churches exist in Juliaca(near Lake Titicaca), Jauja (Perus first capital), Huancayo, and other Andeansettlements, including La Rinconada the worlds highest permanent settlementat 5,130m.
In April 2016, Jorge Luis Aguilar Ocampo became the first Peruvian diocesan bishop, following a number ofexpatriate English bishops. Bishop Jorge was originally trained in the RomanCatholic Church and ordained by Pope John Paul II, but served as an Anglicanpriest in the IAP for many years before becoming their bishop.
He is developing a new collegial and transparentculture in the diocese, which involves both clergy and laity in decision makingand building up a shared vision. One key part of this is a desire to see moreand better support and training for his clergy as well as theself-sustainability that allows the diocese to guarantee their stipends.
There are fourAnglican schools in the diocese, which form a key part of their mission.
Thediocese also has various social projects, including the Shalom centre, andprison visiting. Social action for justice and education are seen holisticallyas part of the IAPs mission and evangelism.
