Two travel opportunities to companion dioceses in South America provide further relationship development, missional opportunities, and spiritual growth. Members of our Companion Diocese Committee are planning a short trip to visit our companion partners this April 17–26 (or beyond for some) and would like to know if any clergy or congregants and friends in the diocese would like to come along. A second trip is planned for July 2024.
Here in the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey, our Companion Dioceses are the Iglesia Episcopal del Ecuador Diócesis Central (Quito and environs) and Diocesis Litoral (Guayaquil and environs.) Our committees meet monthly and we regularly interact with one another. This past year, we shared worship (livestreamed and non), curated an art exhibit, traveled to Ecuador for a new bishop ordination and consecration, presented workshops, prayed together, supported a youth conference, shared videos of songs and dances, and supported mission projects in Ecuador. We are also establishing new parish-to-parish connections.
If interested, please contact The Very Rev. Dr. Caroline Carson at theparsoncarson@gmail.com or Sebastian Vasquez at chevazquez5516@gmail.com
The purposes of the April trip are to gain an orientation of both the Diocese of Litoral and the Diocese of Central in Ecuador, to establish or refresh parish-to-parish partnerships, and to introduce Ecuador and our friends to those who may wish to participate in the following year’s trip (Expected for July 2024), which is also being planned. That trip will hold an opportunity for a youth group from our diocese to work with the organization Education = Hope and the Diocese of Ecuador Central. It will also hold opportunities for clergy and laity to participate in worship services, visit schools and churches, and to get to know our colleagues and friends.
Trip I: April 17–26, 2023
- Approximate airfare $800-$900
- Land Package (all accommodation, group transportation, and some meals) $700
Trip II: July 8–19, 2024
- TBA
