Rev. Angel Rivera consecrated as Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Cuba
Rev. Angel Roberto Rivera, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Cuba
[Episcopal News Service] Rev. Angel Rivera was ordained and consecrated bishop of the Diocese of Cuba Sept. 18 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Havana.
Rivera’s ordination marks a significant step a toward self-determination for the Havana-based church in Cuba, which formally reunified with The Episcopal Church in 2020 after five years of efforts that included approval by the 79th General Convention in 2018 in Austin, Texas. The diocese is now part of Province II, which also includes the Spanish-speaking Diocese of Puerto Rico.
In a Sept. 14 interview with Episcopal News Service, Rivera, who’d previously served as a priest in Puerto Rico, described the Diocese of Cuba as “very special.”
“This diocese is like none other. The people are beautiful and happy with a lot of energy, lots of charisma, many gifts,” Rivera said. “The people sing with such immense joy and live their experiences through Christ despite the difficult economic situation in the country.” As bishop, Rivera succeeds Puerto Rico Bishop Rafael Morales Maldonado, who had been serving as bishop provisional since 2023.
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe was the chief consecrator for Rivera’s ordination service. “The ordination of Angel Rivera is another milestone in our journey to strengthen the Anglican presence in Cuba that began in 1871,” Rowe told ENS in a Sept. 15 written statement. “Together, we are witnessing to the world that divisions among governments mean nothing to citizens of God’s kingdom who follow the Risen Christ.”
Thanks to all who helped make christmas merry for episcopalians across cuba. please get fired up for our 2025 campaign. Details soon.
As you can see in the above photos, Project Feliz Navidad 2024 was a huge success. For the third year in a row, we were able to provide all 52 Episcopal Churches and Communities in Cuba with the funds necessary to provide their parishioners with a substantial and much-needed meal at Christmas. This initiative not only nourishes their bodies but, as importantly, also nourishes their souls. It sends a clear signal that, in this time of great crisis in Cuba, they are not alone - and that there are many folks here that are thinking about them, and praying for them. Thanks again to all who help make this happen. AND THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN 2025.
The Friends of the Episcopal Church in Cuba is a US-based volunteer organization working with Provisional Bishop Rafael and the Cuban Clergy to help them realize their transformational vision of "creating a church that, united in diversity, celebrates, preaches, teaches, serves and shares the love of God". We are a registered Nonprofit Corporation in the State of New Hampshire and a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. ID# 61-1999212
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In the 1960's following the Cuban revolution and the US embargo, the Episcopal Church in Cuba (ECC) was 'granted independence' during their time of greatest need. Almost all resources and support vanished. During the General Convention of July 2018, the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies voted unanimously to reconcile and reunite with the Episcopal Church in Cuba. A transformational event for both the US and Cuba.
These are the ways in which we support the ECC:
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We are a one stop resource for everything related to the ECC. Through this website, you will be able to understand the history of the ECC; the work of the ECC today; and the vision for the future of the ECC (see 'All about ECC tab')
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We share all the successful case studies which demonstrate precisely how the clergy and team are transforming the lives of hundreds of thousands of Cubans (see 'successful case studies' tab).
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We work with churches, organizations and individuals to install water purification systems throughout Cuba to provide communities there with clean, safe water.
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We make it easy for you to find a partner church for your parish, by presenting information on all 46 Episcopal churches across Cuba, along with the human and financial support they require. We then help make the connections between US churches and the ECC. (See partner churches within the 'How you can help' tab)
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We share information on all key projects across Cuba, not only detailing which churches and communities are currently working with the ECC, but also sharing the important projects and investments required to fund the church's vision over the coming 6 years (See 'How you can help' tab).
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If you have any questions about how you can get involved, and support this important mission, please email us, or call us using the information below.
Thank you for your Love and Support of the Episcopal Church in Cuba!
