Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

Inspired by this theme, and by the motto 'Worship, Service, and Commitment,' delegates from dioceses and districts of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil gathered in Curitiba from 26th to 30th of July for the thirtieth General Synod.

The Synod is the maximum instance of the IEAB, which meets every three years. It is composed by the Bishops Chamber, and Laity and Clergy Chamber, each one adopting their own chairmanship and internal procedures. The chambers work together, except in cases determined by the Canon Law, or by request of one of the Chambers.

The highlights of the XXX Synod have been: The election of Rt. Revd. Mauricio Andrade, as the new primate bishop of IEAB; the appointment of the Revd. Francisco da Silva to be the new General Secretary; the division of the Province in three regions (in experimental character), that they may share and work their pastoral action, and theological formation; the extension of the Executive Council of the Synod, that now shall be composed of three bishops, three clergy, and three lay persons, apart from the ex-officio members: General Secretary, the president of the Clergy and Laity Chamber, and also the Primate Bishop, who is the president; the creation of the Anglican Diocese of Amazon, whose elected bishop by the Synod is the Revd. Saulo de Barros; and the election of the new bishop of the diocese of Recife, the Rt. Revd. Sebasti?o Gameleira who is currently the bishop of Pelotas.

At the end of the closing service, and installation of the new primate, The Most Revd. Mauricio Andrade called the church to work towards its unity, and he thanked those who made important contribution in their work to the province in the last three years, especially his predecessor, Most Revd. Orlando Oliveira, who conducted with wisdom, dignity and zeal the church through the turbulent period it went through during the last three years, and proclaimed his trust in the future of the Church.

The Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil is thankful for the hospitality, care, and dedication of the Rt. Revd. Naudal Gomes and the people of the diocese of Curitiba that hosted this General Synod.

By Claudio Oliveira - Director of Communications/IEAB