Diocese of Worc Peru Fund

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The Diocese of Worcester has had a companion link with the Anglican Church of Peru (IAP) since 1992. The link's purpose is to build relationships between two Anglican Communion dioceses in different contexts. The dioceses aim to learn, pray, and travel together, sharing their experiences, ministry, and mission.

From early beginnings as an expatriate church in Lima, the Iglesia Anglicana del Per (IAP Anglican Church of Peru) has spread since the 1970s into some of the poorest communities in the country, mainly in Lima. Work began in Arequipa, the second city, in the 1980s, and there are now four Anglican communities serving this area. Other churches exist in Juliaca(near Lake Titicaca), Jauja (Perus first capital), Huancayo, and other Andean settlements, 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 of expatriate English bishops. Bishop Jorge was originally trained in the Roman Catholic Church and ordained by Pope John Paul II, but served as an Anglican priest in the IAP for many years before becoming their bishop.

He is developing a new collegial and transparent culture in the diocese, which involves both clergy and laity in decision making and building up a shared vision. One key part of this is a desire to see more and better support and training for his clergy as well as the self-sustainability that allows the diocese to guarantee their stipends.

There are four Anglican schools in the diocese, which form a key part of their mission.

The diocese also has various social projects, including the Shalom centre, and prison visiting. Social action for justice and education are seen holisticallyas part of the IAPs mission and evangelism.

As a country, Peru has had a very turbulent few years. It had one of the world’s highest Covid mortality rates and has experienced considerable political unrest. Strict lockdowns and the financial implications have had a major impact on the Anglican Church. Paying stipends has been difficult, leading to many clergy having to have additional jobs. These pressures have naturally limited what can be done
in terms of ministry and mission in poor areas experiencing multiple problems. Our support helps them in these difficult times.

For the past few years, during Lent we have alternated raising money for our link dioceses in Peru and Morogoro. We are hugely grateful to parishes for their generosity and there is no doubt that the funds we’re able to send make a real difference in both countries.