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 Bishop Benito wisely recognizes that self-sufficiency begins with feeding hungry people. Virtually nothing else can be accomplished unless and until this first issue is resolved.
Thus is was Bishop Benito’s top priority to put a herd of cattle in place at the Anglican Center near Tuxtepec. Thanks to your great generosity, the herd has been purchased and is in place at the Anglican Center in Tuxtepec, a medium-size town South of Vera Cruz.
There have been some “bumps in the road” along the way, most notably some security problems there at the farm, but Bishop Benito is pleased and grateful that together, we have come so far without delay. Financial self sufficiency is the next, and without doubt, the most daunting challenge to be addressed. Southeast Mexico is the poorest and largest diocese in Mexico, but, by prior decision of the province, receives only an equal financial share with the other Mexican dioceses, even though the need in Southeast Mexico is vastly greater. He hopes that this will change with the next national synod, but for now he must work with what he receives. A major challenge is to attract and retain clergy. Since the Diocesan Synod in February 2003 three of the 17 priests in the diocese have left, mostly for the U.S. The pattern of priests arriving and leaving has continued for years, and is not expected to change. Poor living conditions due to inadequate compensation is the primary issue. Given current resources, the financial viability of the Diocese of Southeast Mexico will not improve. The actions of previous bishops have caused the location of virtually all of the existing congregations in rural communities with limited (and in many cases declining) financial resources.  The diocese will improve its finances only with the addition of urban churches. Benito’s goal is to make the diocese self-supporting with the planting of churches in five strategic cities: Ciudad Oaxaca, Villahermosa, Merida, Veracruz and another church in Cancun to reach out to non-tourists. Parenthetically the two existing Cancun congregations are self-supporting but unable to contribute regularly or substantially to the diocese, have no real assets, and do not reach out to the local people.
Existing, rural-based clergy need improved compensation. Only one priest owns a car. Yet, most serve more than one congregation, often riding for hours on unreliable (and sometimes dangerous) buses. Priests who arrive late, or not at all, compound the problem of growing the congregations and the diocese. Existing worship spaces are in desperate need of repair or replacement. For example, the preaching station near Maria Lombardo is losing its worship space due to local violence. Unless a new home can be found, the congregation will be scattered. Another church has recently suffered severe earthquake damage, and may be unsafe for occupancy. Repairs are needed immediately. Virtually all of the congregations and priests in Southeast Mexico desperately need even the most basic items. Spanish language prayer books and hymnals are in short supply. Most priests cannot afford clerical clothing. The Bishop’s office is woefully understaffed. When the tour of duty of a recent Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) expired, the only bilingual person in the office left, making communication very difficult. A grant or subsidy for additional office staff would help move our mutual agenda forward. There are many ways we can get involved in support of our companions in Southeast Mexico, and there is “something for everyone” to do. See the next section for specific ideas of what you can do as a local church leader, member of a church committee or group, Sunday School teacher or student, or as an individual parishioner. |
