DECLARATION OF THE ANGLICAN BISHOPS OF LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

Thanks for the fótos, Luiz!
I just met Bishop Julio E. Murray, bishop of the Diocese of Panamá about an hour ago. He just arrived from Costa Rica and asked me to post this on the Dance Party.

DECLARATION OF THE ANGLICAN BISHOPS OF LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN (GLOBAL CENTER)

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3

By this all men would know that you are my disciples, if you love one another
John 13:35

We the Anglican Bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean, who sign below, gathered in San José, Costa Rica, from the 18th to the 22nd of May, 2007, renew and ratify our position proposed in Panamá, better known as the Global Center, in which we call the Communion to preserve its participative nature, diverse, ample and inclusive characteristics which we consider essential to Anglicanism and at the same time our contribution to the Christian tradition.

Since our last meeting, our concern has grown because of the polarization regarding the biblical and theological positions manifested in the Anglican Communion, during the last years; positions known as Global North and Global South, non-reconcilable in their character and putting the unity in the Communion at risk.

In the midst of this painful controversy, we do not identify with either side, because they don't fully represent the spirit of our thoughts.

It has been proven in our relations that we greatly represent the plurality and diversity that are universal characteristics of Anglicanism and that we hold different positions on the themes that are presently discussed in the Communion. However, we have also experienced that the plurality and diversity we represent has become a rich source for growth, rather than a cause for controversy and division.

We unanimously express our determination to remain united as members of the same family and will continue to come to the Lord's Table together.

We invite our brothers and sisters in the episcopate, as well as all the members of the clergy and laity who identify with this vision, to join together and work for an effective reconciliation, interdependence and unity in the diversity of our family of faith and so preserve the valuable legacy of which we are guardians.

As disciples of Jesus, called to live out the mandate of love (John 15:17), we declare our commitment to be together and with all our strength, struggle for unity, as an act of obedience to His will expressed in the Holy Scriptures. Trusting that the Holy Spirit, who descent we are about to celebrate on the Feast of Pentecost, will guide and strengthen us on such a difficult journey.

The experience of these few days confirms our conviction that we will make it with God's blessings. Of this we are sure and now we return to our dioceses comforted and full of hope and joy.

San José, Costa Rica, May 2007

The Rt. Rev. Mauricio Andrade
Diócesis de Brasilia, Brasil
Primate

The Rt. Rev. Martín Barahona
Diócesis de El Salvador
Primate

The Rt. Rev. Jubal Neves
Diócesis South Ocidental, Brasil

The Rt. Rev. Sebastiao Gamaleira
Diócesis de Recife, Brasil

The Rt. Rev. Orlando Santos de Oliveira
Diócesis Meridional, Brasil

The Rt. Rev. Julio E. Murray
Diócesis de Panamá

The Rt. Rev. Lino Rodríguez
Diócesis del Occidente de México

The Rt. Rev. Francisco Duque
Diócese de Colombia

The Rt. Rev. Orlando Guerrero
Diócesis de Venezuela

The Rt. Rev. Wilfredo Ramos
Diócesis de Ecuador Central

The Rt. Rev. Carlos Touché Porter
Diócesis de México
Primate

The Rt. Rev. Lloyd Allen
Diocese of Honduras
Province IX President, TEC

The Rt. Rev. Naudal Gomez
Diócesis de Curitivia, Brasil

The Rt. Rev. Filadelfo Oliveira
Díócesis de Recife, Brazil

The Rt. Rev. Armando Guerra Soria
Diócesis de Guatemala

The Rt. Rev. Héctor Monterroso
Diócesis de Costa Rica

The Rt. Rev. Benito Juárez
Diócesis del Sureste de México

The Rt. Rev. Alfredo Morante
Diócesis de Litoral, Ecuador

The Rt. Rev. Miguel Tamayo
Diócesis de Uruguay y
Diócesis de Cuba

The Rt. Rev. Julio Cesar Olguín
Diócesis de Rpública Dominica

The Rt. Rev. José Ramos
Retired Bishop