Dioceses in Province VII are reaching out with unprecedented enthusiasm to Anglicans in other parts of the world. The benefits in mutual understanding, increased knowledge, and spiritual connection are as far-reaching as the relationships themselves.
The Companion Diocese Network of the Episcopal Church held its annual meeting in Puerto Rico in early April. This gathering of province representatives for the network resulted in their increasing knowledge of the level of world mission activities throughout the church. Major work is being done in support of projects overseas, in the training and sending of groups of people of all ages to companion dioceses for specific work projects or for cultural assimilation. In almost every case, an important part of these journeys is the sharing with churches in sending dioceses, resulting in a heightened sense of the faith in action which connects us all.
Noteworthy in world mission activities in Province VII is the focus on youth missions, particularly longer-term stays in the companion diocese. In a number of cases, such as the Diocese of Oklahoma, the long-term stays in the overseas diocese involve extensive sharing with congregations back home. Other kinds of visitations this past year involved the presence of bishops and other leaders from the companion diocese or others with which the U.S. diocese has a relationship. In several cases the visitation of bishops involved an appearance at the diocesan convention as well as a series of visits to local churches.
Parish-to-parish relationships are another important facet of development of world mission understanding in the province. Arkansas, for example, regularly visits the Niobrara Convocation of its companion diocese of South Dakota; Oklahoma continues to send high school youth to its companion diocese of West Ankole, Uganda. West Texas is active in team sending on specific works projects to Southeast Mexico and Cuernavaca. Texas has had several active projects in Honduras, and Fort Worth is preparing to send water well drilling equipment and personnel to Northern Malawi to bring fresh water to the people of that region. Dallas has mission work going on currently in a number of places including Peru, Nigeria, Honduras, Bolivia and Malawi. The Episcopal Church Missionary Community of Dallas is focusing on the need for language proficiency for all who would be missionaries in other parts of the world. Western Louisiana is involved in a three-way partnership with the Development Group of the Dominican Republic. West Missouri is actively building relationship with its companion diocese of Venezuela through a children’s clothing project and a number of visitations.
Currently there are approximately 82 domestic dioceses of the Episcopal Church with companion relationships classified as “active,” that is formally recognized by resolution in conventions of both companion dioceses and by the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church. Though the average time period for a companion relationship has traditionally been three years with renewal, the most recent meeting of the network voted to favor five years with renewal.
The Companion Diocese Network evolved out of “Partners in Mission” recognized by the Episcopal Church in 1973 as a way to provide assistance in selecting, entering and developing a companion diocese relationship and to offer assistance at all stages of the relationship including ending. Each province has a companion diocese network representative who functions as the local arm of the network and who is available to provide such assistance as may be needed.
The representative for Province VII is Lucy Germany, 327 Llano Bend, Big Sandy, TX 75755 lugermany@att.net
