History of the REC Missionary Diocese of Cuba (2019-20)
History of the REC Missionary Diocese of Cuba (2019-20)
The Church in Cuba in 2019 has continued to grow, and especially in the area of Christian education for both the clergy and the laity. With the help of the Rev’d. Dr. Ben Bernier, a Professor at the REC Cranmer House Seminary in Houston, Texas, we have improved our Seminary Programme. It now consists of three levels:
1 - Basic Level - consisting of 12 Courses that will be taught to every Vestry member of each church
2 - Medium Level - 12 Courses to be taught in the seminary in 1 week blocks aimed at potential Lay Readers and Pastors
3 - The Advanced Higher Level consisting of 7 Courses to be taught in the Seminary to those Pastors of the Diocese who have already completed the Moores College Curriculum.
The use of the Cuban Prayer Book is gaining ground in the church of the Diocese. The Diocesan New Eden Farm is showing growth (pardon the pun) this past year. The government has a contract with us to purchase 40 per cent of our crops, which include cucumbers, yucca, plantain, boniato (potato-like) and pumpkins.
1 - Basic Level - consisting of 12 Courses that will be taught to every Vestry member of each church
2 - Medium Level - 12 Courses to be taught in the seminary in 1 week blocks aimed at potential Lay Readers and Pastors
3 - The Advanced Higher Level consisting of 7 Courses to be taught in the Seminary to those Pastors of the Diocese who have already completed the Moores College Curriculum.
The use of the Cuban Prayer Book is gaining ground in the church of the Diocese. The Diocesan New Eden Farm is showing growth (pardon the pun) this past year. The government has a contract with us to purchase 40 per cent of our crops, which include cucumbers, yucca, plantain, boniato (potato-like) and pumpkins.
Our House Churches are healthy, with the various Pastors visiting them regularly, to teach and to bring the sacraments. The Lay Pastors also are a great help in the ministry in the countryside.
Much time and effort have been put into the resurrection of the taxi for our use as a fund-raising project. It was getting to the already-to-hit-the-road stage, when the Virus-19 hit in 2020 and the car has been stalled until we can secure the last needed parts and paint to complete the job.
We paid two visits to Cuba in 2019 which proved to be very beneficial. Bishop Walter Banek is proving to be a very welcome and able leader among us, showing an ever expanding heart for the Cuban people, and a good understanding of the growing and maintaining a Diocese of the size that Cuba has become. Praise the Lord!!! He always has the supply in hand before we ever reach out asking Him for help.
Following is a listing of the Clergy of the Mission Diocese in Cuba as of 31 December 2019:
Bishops: 1, The Rt. Rev’d. Raul Wilians Mendez Suarez
Archdeacons: 1, The Ven. Alexei Gonzalez Rodriguez
Deans: 1, The Very Rev’d. Alfredo Nuno Sancho
Presbyters: 11, including The Archdeacons and Deans
The Rev’d. Ramiro Godales Mendoza
The Rev’d. Franklin Hamilton Smith
The Rev’d. Ricardo Martin Barreto
The Rev’d. Miguel Armando Martin Ardao
The Rev’d. Pasblo Ulloa Caballero
The Rev’d. Edgardo Enrique Melchor - Chancellor
The Rev’d. Claudio Sotero Otero Costafreda
The Rev’d. Yudel Perez Valdes
The Rev’d. Yudel Perez Valdes
The Rev’d. Gianni Torrente Silvente
Deacons: 2, The Rev’d. Dcn. Ortelio (Tito) Santamaria Garcia and The Rev’d. Dcn. Eric Daniel Mateo Parera
Lay Readers: 1, LR Angel Riveron Batista
Deaconesses: 1, Dss. Magalis Sierra Romero
The work of the Reformed Episcopal Church in Cuba, we believe, is a definite call of the Lord, and we welcome the assistance all those who would wish to support this outreach. The help of the Anglican Network in Canada, and especially that of Bishop Trevor Walters and the Rev’d. Barclay Mayo, has been tremendous. Words cannot really convey our appreciation.
Financial gifts to support the work in Cuba may be sent to the offices of the Diocese of Central and Eastern Canada, 134 Emerson Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 2X8. Cheques should be made out to "The Diocese of Central and Eastern Canada." Claudia and a Mission Team travel each year to Cuba, taking this help with them, visiting as many of the Parishes as possible, conducting many different services. All donations to the Diocese are Tax Deductible and will be receipted at the beginning of the New Year. We ask for your prayers that the sowing of the seed of the Gospel will bear great fruit for the Kingdom of God.
And so, we invite any interested person who would like to help support this Mission to contribute.
Thank-you
The Rt. Rev’d. Dr. Charles Dorrington, Bishop The Reformed Episcopal Church
Video of the 2019 mission to Cuba
Video of the 2020 mission to Cuba
2019-20
2019-20