Anglican Communion News Service

[Southern Cross] The South American Missionary Society (SAMS) and the Church Missionary Society (CMS) displayed commitment in their missionary work when they agreed to jointly continue their work in South America.

Discussions between the two mission organisations have seen CMS agree to assume pastoral responsibility for SAMS missionaries currently in South America. On returning to Australia at the end of their current tours, these missionaries can then apply to become CMS missionaries.

Meeting on March 16, the National Council and Annual General Meeting of SAMS agreed to the plan, which was also accepted by CMS on the same day. An official announcement from SAMS is expected soon, and members will officially be notified of the new structures that are in place.

CMS currently has ten missionaries in South America, while SAMS has eight.

Under the plan, SAMS will provide the funds to allow this work to continue. CMS will establish a special South American Ministry Support Fund, funded by parishes and individuals, to be used solely for the missionaries in South America.

SAMS National Chairman, the Rev Gordon Robinson, said that far from representing a closing of the doors at SAMS, the new agreement would actually be a positive step for Latin American ministry.

"This will lead to a far more open ministry than has previously been possible," he said.

CMS Federal Secretary, the Rev Canon Dr David Clayton, said that CMS would also be providing two bursaries for the clergy in Chile to study at Moore College. CMS New Zealand will also assume pastoral responsibility for SAMS New Zealand missionaries; while SAMS Britain is joining up with another mission agency, Crosslinks.

Dr Claydon emphasised the ongoing commitment from both groups to mission work in South America. "We give praise for the faithful work of SAMS and uphold CMS as they further develop there present work in Latin America," he said.

"There are millions of people in South America who have not heard the gospel and so the need for missionaries there continues and the Anglican Church there also needs our support."