The 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. We in Birmingham had the pleasure of meeting him and from that first contact an increasingly fruitful companion relationship has developed between the Church of England Birmingham and this 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. The programme included engagement in worship and witness, and a short residential training conference. We are currently expecting a visit here from Bishop Walter Toro.

Our Anglican Partners in Bolivia are bearing their witness of hope and life through Christ in the midst of a prolonged economic crisis in their country. People are out of work, prices in the shops are doubling, and fuel is scarce. Remuneration of clergy is increasingly difficult, and many are working voluntarily. In spite of these difficulties churches are continuing to fulfil an active and effective mission and ministry.

Bishop Walter Toro expresses the vision underlying this witness, and invites us to share in it,
“We invite you to be part of our family of faith. In the Anglican Episcopal Church of Bolivia we firmly believe in the power of faith to transform our lives. We are an open and welcoming community that strives to live the gospel day by day. Together we worship God, support each other, and work to serve those most in need”.

An opportunity at a critical time

As Christians we are called to bear one another’s burdens. Our Bolivian partners are bearing especially heavy burdens at this time through the national economic crisis which is not yet resolved. The appeal we are launching this Christmas responds to this emergency situation. It is to be a love gift to be administered by the Bolivian diocese according to urgent needs, including support of pastors.

If you would like to support this Christmas Appeal your donation can be received for Bolivia through the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) Once you access PGS using this link, you will be invited to choose a ‘parish’ you wish to support. Different designations for gifts are available. For the Christmas Appeal please use ‘Birmingham Bolivia Emergencies’. Should you wish your money to meet other needs other categories can be chosen, as shown below.

Priorities for Prayer

That the Anglican Church in Bolivia will have the spiritual and material resources to sustain its ministry and continue its mission in this time of crisis.
That the newly elected President of Bolivia, Rodrigo Paz, will be enabled to restore unity and economic stability throughout the country.
That the Bolivian clergy may receive adequate financial support
That five congregations will succeed in reaching more people with the gospel in their respective neighbourhoods, and new church plants will be established.
That God will guide the Bolivian Anglican Church in preparing a strategic and costed plan towards gaining economic independence
That Christian denominations in Bolivia may continue to work together for national renewal.