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Jul 02, 2018

Companion Diocese of Costa Rica to Elect New Bishop on July 14

For the next two weeks, the Episcopal Church General Convention 79 will be the main focus in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas (#edot) since the assembly is being hosted in Austin. However, the work of the church continues elsewhere. One such place is our companion diocese of Costa Rica, where, on Sunday, July 14, they will elect a new bishop. The election comes because their previous bishop, The Rt. Rev. Hector Monterosso, became the bishop assistant in the EDOT in 2017 after serving for 14 years in Costa Rica.

La Iglesia Episcopal Costarricense of the Anglican Church of Central America is home to 17 congregations scattered mainly in the central valley and on the Caribbean coast; we have been formally in relationship with Costa Rica since 2013. All around the diocese, including youth groups and college ministries, folks have traveled there, building the foundations of love and fostering the “mutual exchange of ideas and help between both cultures and people,” as Companion Diocese Officer, Allie Norman has put it.

The Costa Rican congregations have four candidates from which to choose: Ricardo Bernal, Jorge Urrutia, Orlando Gomez, and George Porter (see the poster below).

In the two weeks leading up to, and on July 14, we ask that you join us in prayer as they move through this time of reflection and discernment: Almighty God, giver of every good gift: We thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the witness of your whole church in his name. We thank you for your Holy Spirit, empowering us for ministry. Guide the hearts and minds of those who shall choose a bishop for the Diocese of Costa Rica and those who will respond to the call, that they may receive a faithful pastor who will care for your people and glorify your name. May their discernment transform their spirits and draw them closer to you, Almighty God; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.