The Anglican Diocese of Uruguay
Companion Diocese
In November 2010, the Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma and the Annual Synod of the Diocese of Uruguay ratified a formal Companion Diocesan Covenant. This Covenant was the result of a 17-month process of discernment between the two dioceses. This covenant seeks to live out our ministry in a variety of ways, upholding the notion that neither diocese shall be considered the “contributor” or “recipient,” but rather mutual partners.
The Diocese of Uruguay includes the Republic of Uruguay, and its Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is located in the city of Montevideo. Bishop Michele Frank Pollesel served as Bishop of the
Diocese of Uruguay from 2011- 2017. Currently, Rt. Rev. Daniel Genovesi was consecrated on March 16, 2019, in Buenos Aires Cathedral as Interim Bishop of Uruguay. He and his wife, Mercedes, will start their new ministry in Uruguay on April 1.
The missionary diocese of Uruguay was created by the Anglican Church of South America more than 30 years ago. Before then, the mainly English chapels at Montevideo, Fray Bentos, and Salto were part of the Diocese of Argentina. During that time it has developed a distinctive style and sought to grow as a local church.
The Diocese of Uruguay is one of the smallest dioceses within the Anglican Communion. However, from its earliest days, the diocese has been keen to develop the idea of holistic mission: preaching the Good News of the Gospel while putting this Good News into practice by seeking to address both the material and spiritual needs of the communities it works with. As a result, the Diocese now undertakes a comprehensive social outreach program throughout the country of Uruguay that works with pre-school children and their families; adolescents in the areas of work experience and training; the homeless, including homeless young people; young people with special education needs; as well as those who are HIV+ and who are living in poverty. Its community support work also includes medical facilities in an impoverished area of Salto and an organic vegetable project in a poor part of Progreso, just outside Montevideo. All of the congregations and the clergy of Uruguay are actively involved in addressing the needs of the people of their communities.
Our dioceses are working together on a variety of initiatives that address the following areas: financial support, mission, spiritual/fellowship, clergy and lay leadership development, and parish-to-parish relationships.
Our Covenant
Please join us in prayer for these Companion Dioceses:
Holy God, source of healing and of peace, bless with your grace the companion dioceses of Oklahoma and Uruguay. Through our partnership one with another may we grow in mutual affection and communion, seek a more profound experience of truth, build up the Church in unity and give glory to Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.