In November 2001, the 164th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago ratified a resolution of the Commission on Global Ministry, establishing two diocesan companionships, one with Renk (Sudan), the other with the Diocese of Southeast Mexico. In January 2002, representatives of the Diocese of Chicago including Bishop William Persell and John Nachtrieb (who served on the Commission on Global Ministry) traveled to Southeast Mexico to meet Bishop Benito Juarez Martinez and to officially inaugurate the new companionship. In that visit, the Chicago contingency visited 11 congregations in five days, covering approximately 1,000 miles by car.

Bishop Benito has proven to be a good friend as well as a shining light of integrity and common sense. In the ensuing months, several other diocesans in Mexico have been indicted for corruption while Benito, who leads the largest and poorest diocese, has put together an ambitious strategic plan, ratified by the Annual Synod in February, 2003.

Bishop Benito is a realist as well as a brilliant pastoral leader. He recognizes the primary need to feed hungry people. Important as it is, the Gospel message does not comfort growling stomachs. Benito’s initial dream was to put in place a herd of cattle, one cow for each of his 17 congregations, at a farm near Tuxtepec, called the Anglican Center. Diocese of Chicago efforts were launched immediately to raise the funds, and in the summer of 2003, the purchase was made through Heifer International.

Congregations in both dioceses have begun to form companionships. Financial support between Transfiguration (Palos Park) and Transfiguración (Nuevo Progreso) began almost immediately in 2002. Funds have been used to erect a new outhouse for the rural congregation, and to assist in the purchase of orange trees from which the church will produce income. In July 2003, a group of young people and adults from Transfiguration visited and stayed for a week in the Transfiguración community—the first group of outsiders ever to make such a visit there. They assisted with the parish's summer Bible school, and performed several work projects.

The cattle project completed, Bishop Benito’s next priorities are to improve the situation for his clergy, many of whom live in abject poverty. Financial assistance has been requested from the Diocese of Chicago. This assistance will also make it possible for Bishop Benito to hire additional clergy for the planting of churches in four, strategic urban areas. Previous bishops have focused solely on rural churches and while serving rural peoples is important ministry, the lack of urban presence neglects urban peoples and cuts the diocese off from essential, urban-based financial resources. Benito’s long-term goal is financial self-sufficiency for Southeast Mexico.

The Transfiguration companionship is now focused on improving life in Nuevo Progreso. We hope to purchase a home adjacent to the church, for use as a temporary residence and to house a small business to provide local employment. Rev. Erika Fierro Osnaya of Transfiguración has been invited to Chicago to attend our November convention and to meet the people at Transfiguration. It is hoped that regular visits will now begin to take place between Mexico and Chicago.