Venezuela Bishop Orlando Guerrero visits Church Center in New York City
Episcopal News Service. June 19, 2008 [061908-03]
Daphne Mack
According to Venezuela Bishop Orlando Guerrero, political context has not affected church growth in his diocese.
The Diocese of Venezuela, which includes Curaçao - Netherlands Antilles, is in Province IX. It was admitted as a full member of the Episcopal Church at the 74th General Convention in August 2003.
"We are very thankful for the support of the Episcopal Church," said Guerrero during his June 17 visit to the Episcopal Church Center in New York City.
Guerrero's visit was part of an initiative begun last year by Canon Juan Marquez of the Latin America and Caribbean Office in the Center for Partnerships to bring diocesan mission partners to the Church Center to share experiences and strategize for future work.
Speaking of the "new political reality" in his country, Guerrero said that the church needs to be prepared to continue mission. He said that his country’s president, Hugo Chavez, is very "faithful and compromising with churches" and that churches don't have any problems with "the issues."
He said that under Chavez, poor people are thriving and that they have access to better health care, food and free higher education. However, the wealthy are leaving the country.
Guerrero recognized the role of women and children in the church and the importance of theological education to expand ministry in the diocese.
He expressed an interest in the formation of diocesan companion relationships, which at this time do not exist. Marquez urged Guerrero to "take advantage" of his time at the Lambeth Conference, set for July 16-August 3 in Canterbury, England, to network with his colleagues, because most of those relationships begin with "bishops just in conversation."