Update from Santiago, Chile
The Diocese of Down and Dromore formally recognised a link partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Santiago, Chile, at its Diocesan Synod in June 2023. The relationship was cemented with a visit by Bishop David and Revd Mark Lennox to Santiago in January 2025 and is developing with the active involvement of parishes in the diocese.
Shankill Parish in Lurgan have very kindly part-funded the theological training of Carolina Schmidth. Carolina is in training to be an apprentice Female Gospel Worker in a Parish in Santiago Diocese.
Donaghcloney Parish used their Lent appeal this year to fund the repairs to the roof of a kitchen in Iglesia Resurreccion (Church of the Resurreccion) in Santiago.The Church recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary and a video message of greetings was sent from Revd Mark Lennox and Revd Matthew Gaw to the ministry team and parishioners of the church.
As this link develops it is hoped that a team from Donaghcloney Parish will travel to Santiago in Autumn 2026 to help with some cosmetic repairs to the church and also take part in some outreach projects within the local area.
Revd Max Diaz and his family visited Down and Dromore at the end of June. While here they spent some time with Bishop David, and then visited Down Cathedral where they met Dean Henry Blair.
Towards the end of the summer the Parish of Carrowdore and Millisle hosted a prayer event, where there was a station dedicated to the Diocese of Santiago.
Please continue to keep Bishop Estaban Saravia in your prayers as he continues to settle into his new role as Bishop of Santiago.
Revd Mark Lennox
Santiago Partnership Link Coordinator