Return from Argentina

Having returned from Argentina there is much to process and as a diocese we need to consider how we grow and strengthen the link more fully.  This will be the responsibility of the Diocesan International Link Group in consideration with those who have been involved in the link over many years.

There were a number of things that I chose not to reflect on while in the country due to the sensitive political situation and the possible repercussions on those who spoke to me.  The country is in a difficult economic situation, almost bordering on a crisis, not dissimilar in its impact to the 2001 fiscal collapse.  Inflation is running at 10.60% while the cost of goods is not dissimilar to Britain.  People are no longer allowed to buy American Dollars and if they use their credit cards in another country they are taxed on it by the government.  I exchanged American Dollars on my arrival only to find that there is an official rate and a black market rate which is much higher.  You can imagine which one most people use.  My money was whisked away by a local from one of the churches and returned to me in Peso’s within about 10 minutes.  It was an uncomfortable situation but one where few questions could be asked and fewer were answered.

The average clergy stipend is about £500 per month and many of our colleagues are struggling without additional income from spouse’s salaries or grants from local schools which enable their children to receive a good education.  The Diocese of Argentina is however financially independent from outside support which is different to what it was twenty or thirty years ago and that is certainly not what they are looking for from the link. 

Few people supported the President and many were critical of the government’s policies.  Corruption appears endemic within political circles and there is little trust of politicians.  Even within Latin America there is much distrust of Argentine politics and the ability of the present government to resolve the political and financial crisis.

There is a palpable sense of fear and lack of security.  I was surprised by how many houses had bars or shutters at the windows and most had some form of secured and gated entrance systems.  People were concerned about travelling on public transport and robberies, muggings and kidnapping is not unusual.  The Bishop related a story about being mugged at knife point in a taxi and a priest and his wife were recently kidnapped and held to ransom until the diocese paid a not insignificant sum of money.  Whilst I didn’t feel vulnerable, our hosts were very careful to ensure we were well looked after and secure and other than a couple of walks in the local area in which we were staying, we were accompanied at every stage of our visit.

The people of Argentina are resilient but almost resigned to the situation, having been through it a number of times in their history.  They are, however, very much in need of our prayers and support.  If you have a contact already through a parish or personal link please do get in touch, listen to their story and support them in prayer or if you would like to make contact please let me know.

A copy of the talk I gave to the Synod in Argentina will be available on the Diocesan website.

More pictures from Argentina

Photos of Argentina

 

 

 

The Final Blog

At the weekend I had the genuine privilege of attending and addressing the Anglican Synod in Argentina and also preaching at three very different services.  The ethos and process of Synod was very different to what we are used to in Sheffield, not least because it lasted two full days, but it was nonetheless effective in dealing with administrative business, legal and financial matters.  It also made time available for  discussion of mission and ministry issues within their local context which is changing slowly into a more pluralistic one.  This was the subject of my speech to Synod.

My address included reflections on Britain as a pluralist society, on religious pluralism, the 'New Atheist Movement' and the church's relationship with the media and government - raising the question of how we proclaim the Gospel in a changing and complex culture ( I will make this available on the web site on my return).  I focused on how the Sheffield Diocese is responding to this through our strategies, with particular reference to the 'Salt and Light' strategy and how this is helping us engage with society which is our mission field.

The Anglican Church in Argentina is also focused on how to engage with society which is both conservative and avant-garde.  Their human resources are  very small with only 6 paid clergy and few self supporting clergy and lay ministers.  They're also struggling financially, but during the Synod I sensed a real commitment and dedication to engage with mission issues and to move things forward.  They will now find a way of continuing to address the questions the Synod raised and I hope that we might be able to help them in some way through the link.

They are keen to address issues relating to pastoral care and Mike's meetings and discussions have been very helpful in relation to this.  I know they're keen for him to return next year to lead them in some teaching and to give practical advice and guidance.  This will also facilitate and strengthen the link which I hope will become even more mutually beneficial.

Jane, Mike and myself have been made very welcome in Argentina and have had some profound experiences that will need processing when we return.  We are very grateful for the hospitality, warmth and affection we've been shown wherever we've been.  We've made new friends and I've been re-aquatinted with old ones.

My overall impression is of a country addressing serious financial and political issues that impact on the daily lives and standards of many. But the Anglican church is in good spirits built on relationships across traditions and theological perspectives.  It's addressing in a mature way internal church issues such as the development of an Argentinean Province which they hope will come into being next year.  They're serious and committed to mission and growth in ministry which is supported by profound prayerfulness.  They're aware of difficult issues to be faced whilst full of hope and expectation for what the future holds.

The Anglican Church in Argentina is well established and doing many good things that they should rejoice in and give thanks to God for, but they are still growing and developing in their understanding of what it means to be the Anglican Church in their own culture and how that positions them between the Roman Catholics and other more evangelical or Pentecostal churches.  What they offer is unique and valuable and to be treasured.  As one person said to me at the end of the Synod they are "just becoming a church".  This sums up very well where the Anglican Diocese is and it will, I'm sure go from strength to strength.  I wish them every blessing, offer them my deepest prayers and blessing and gratitude for all they've given to the three of us during the visit.

 

Photos taken during the visit, are available on a separate blog page.

Argentina - The next post

During the past few days I've attended a number of bible studies, prayer meetings and in depth discussions with clergy and lay people, and preached at a mid week service in the Cathedral.

 

Much of the discussion has been around our diocesan vision set within the local and national context.  We focused on church growth, the 'Salt and Light' strategy and how each of us within our own contexts can make Christ known to those with whom we have little contact.  Not surprisingly there are differences in context and resources available.  The Anglican Church in Argentina is small in resources compared to ourselves, but rich in opportunities and commitment to the Gospel and God's Mission.  There are - however -similarities and therein lie the opportunities for us to learn from each other and share knowledge, wisdom and understanding, which will strengthen the diocesan link.

I especially enjoyed a deep conversation with Maria from Devoto whom I met in the Cathedral. We discussed the ordination of women to the episcopate and priesthood.  I was particularly challenged by her theological, psychological  and contextual arguments - as she was by mine - and we are hoping to pursue this again at the Synod this weekend where she will also be my interpreter.  The Christians I've met here listen intently, with gracious integrity and a real depth of spirituality and prayerfulness.  They appear to assimilate and process new ideas and concepts, which is what Maria wanted to do in preparation for round two of our debate, but they aren't afraid to challenge.  They are a people that enjoy talking especially over meals,  and therefore also enjoy lively debate and argument.  But in doing so there is a real sense of mutual respect and acceptance of other points of view even when they don't agree. They aren't afraid to express their faith in public and be open with others about how Christ has impacted on, and changed their lives. They have a lively faith, a deep conviction and trust in God and this is expressed in their worship and liturgy which has elements of tradition and charismatic depending where you are.

I attended a very charismatic prayer meeting in Devoto which lasted two hours, not unusual in some churchs here.  There was prayer for healing and a time of worship.  It all seemed natural, balanced and entirely appropriate.   What struck me most was that people arrived with a deep hope and anticipation that the Holy Spirit was at work and could change, transform and heal lives.  We were clearly caught up in something that was deeply profound and of God.

Yesterday was a bank holiday in Argentina - 'Workers Day' - so the numbers attending the mid week prayer meeting and worship were smaller than usual.  However, it was an international meeting with people from England (us), Columbia, China, Argentina and Spain.  The meeting was open to anyone who wanted to walk in from the street and they received a genuine and warm welcome.  I had a fascinating conversation with a Pastor from an evangelical church in a difficult urban area of Buenos Aires where drugs, crime and violence were rife.  He related stories of having been shot at, and on one occasion having a gun pointed at his head and the trigger pulled, as though simulating a game of 'Russian Roulette'.  In spite of all this, he is committed to serving the poor and disadvantaged of that community even at the risk of his own safety. I was impressed by his commitment and faith and perhaps even partly ashamed that in many respects mine  isn't as deeply challenged as I'd like to think.  The Pastor also said he had a personal prophecy for me and prayed over me, as have a number of people here, but that is a story and comment for another occasion.

The Pastors story reminded me that this is a beautiful country full of resources, but not without its challenges and difficulties.  Things that we might expect to do without any problem - such as being able to travel safely in a taxi - can't be taken for granted here, and I've been grateful for the support, guidance and generosity we've received during the past week.

Jane and Michael have been doing their own thing today, with Mike now being in Lomas and Jane accompanying Sylvia (the Bishop's Wife) to a couple of meetings.

The link is clearly important to people here and I've been exploring one or two ways we might strengthen this, especially by inviting young people to take part in visits.  My trip here has been very worthwhile in exploring this, but most importantly it has been a profound spiritual experience and journey which, like Maria, I need to process on my return next week.

I'm looking forward to preaching at the Synod service on Sunday and addressing them later the same afternoon before moving back to Devoto to preach at a service.   I know this will be two hours long but will, in the Spirit of God and fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, pass quickly indeed as I'm sure our last few days here will.

After an intense, busy but fascinating few days in Argentina, I've finally found space to write my first blog update, so here goes. 

After recovering from the 13 hour flight we spent the first full day learning about the history of Argentina, the present financial and political climate, and the Anglican Church.  There will be much to share about the political and financial situation and its impact on daily life when I return. Suffice to say there's much anxiety and fear about levels of crime and violence.  But the people of Argentina are resilient and optimistic and I experienced that in the people I have met.   

90% of population still have some vestiges of faith, enough not to abandon it.

The dominant church is RC and this impacts enormously on how society thinks and disables other churches in their mission and evangelism including Anglicans. The Anglican Church in Argentina is asking serious questions about how it engages with a changing context and culture and there are many similarities with the issues we face in Sheffield.  They're focusing on mission shaped church, being salt and light to the community and a Holy Spirit filled people of God.  I'll be speaking about this at their Synod next Sunday.

Anglicanism is two centuries old and respected. For a long time Anglicanism meant British.  It developed in the first instance as a chaplaincy to those who came to work in Argentina particularly on the railways.  Although some churches reflect a more traditional model of Anglicanism, they have over the past thirty years become more Spanish speaking, and the services more reflective of their culture. There's  still great respect for the British and for the Diocesan Link.

As we address pastoral re-organization in the diocese and the need for parishes to work together more fully across traditions and cultures, we might be mindful of the example of the church in Argentina.  On Saturday I made a ninety minute flight from Buenos Aires to Mendoza accompanied by Hernan, the parish priest of Belgrano.  Hernan makes this trip every month to be with the local congregation, to lead them in worship and study and work with the lay ministers who lead the church in the intervening weeks.  I heard stories of other clergy making long journeys to support mission in other parts of the country, released and supported by their own congregations in the belief and conviction that it's important to grow the church and make disciples everywhere.  I witnessed Christians traveling many miles to worship, unfazed by distance and time because worshipping God is more important than the often self imposed boundaries we make for ourselves.   The church and clergy appear to work well together across boundaries and traditions though there are latent  tensions and challenges to be addressed.

On Saturday and Sunday Mike Reeder, Jane and myself were given a very warm welcome by the local congregation in Mendoza. I spoke to them about how to develop ministry and mission in a pluralist society and many found this challenging.  Mike spoke about his role in hospice chaplaincy which was powerful and moving.  On Sunday we shared in worship and after my sermon Mike and I prayed for healing with individuals.  We have been involved in a number of pastoral situations and have learnt a little about some social outreach projects such as that addressing the needs of the wives and families of prisoners in what must rate as one of the worst prisons I have ever seen. 

Overall, there's a real sense of expectancy about what is happening in the Anglican Church in Argentina, hope for the future and a sense of God's presence, but they have many deep and searching questions to ask and face honestly.  They mustn't avoid them or be distracted by the present political and financial climate.  I  hope my reflections and presence will, in some small way, give them an opportunity to begin addressing them.  Please support our friends in your prayers as we continue our visit praying  especially that God will give them strength to face the changes and challenge ahead.

 

 

 Bishop Greg's home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

BBQ held in our honour whilst in Mendoza

 

I last visited Argentina shortly after the economic crisis of 1999-2002 which witnessed a major down turn in the economy.  Many will remember the images of people being unable to access savings from the banks; there was widespread unemployment, riots and the rise of alternative currencies.  Eventually it led to the downfall of the government.

During the visit I stayed with a couple who had been severely affected by this.  They lost their business and were struggling to make ends meet or pay the mortgage.  The poor became increasingly poor and the marginalised even more so.  However, I was impressed by the generosity of my hosts who gave 10% of their income each week to the church, partly towards church funds and partly to provide food for those in greatest need.  They also gave food parcels to those who called at their door in the evenings looking for enough to see them through the next day.

They were, in some respects, as much in need of what they gave away as those who called.  When I asked them why they did this they said it was because God still gave them more than they gave to him.  Many say this but I suspect few really practice such sacrificial giving and therein lay’s an example of generosity and graciousness which is what God has shown us on many occasions.

It would seem that today’s government is edging towards a crisis and there has today been rioting in the streets of Buenos Aires as tens of thousands of people protested against the government.  This time the crisis has been sparked by proposals to reform the judiciary but there are financial concerns about inflation and crime.  There have even been calls from some for President Kirchner to resign.

Once again the country stands on the edge of uncertainty and crisis but from my experience I know that the people of Argentina are resilient and confident in God.  I hope and pray that the present crisis will not get worse and trust that the people of Sheffield, the link diocese, will hold Argentina in prayer.

I am sure I will learn more next week and I will keep you posted with developments.