Expat Community > Ecuador

bhjoffe
Joined 2015
Posts: 49

PROGRESSIVE CHURCH IN CUENCA?

9 years ago

Howdy, folks!

As a pastor and potential expat seeking to relocate and retire in Cuenca, Ecuador, my research shows that -- like most Latin American countries -- "Christians" have but two options: Either attend the local Roman Catholic church ... or visit an "evangelical" church generally set up by missionaries for American & Canadian expats + locals who either are Spanish-speakers or somewhat conversant in English.

I am a progressive Protestant pastor (ordained) who has established and grown churches in the USA and in Spain. If we do decide to relocate to Cuenca, I'd like to judge the potential interest in establishing an "alternative" church.

Here's our mission statement:

"To be a bridge (1) of cooperation and understanding among religious groups of all faiths; (2) of acceptance of others regardless of social class, race, gender, or sexual orientation; (3) between all of God's children, mirroring and practicing the love God has for us; (4) of freedom in the study of religion, the interpretation, and the practice of faith; and (5) for God's love in a troubled world, expressing a generosity of spirit to all those in need."

Progressive and inclusive, the congregation would also believe that:

--"Church" should be a community of people coming together to seek and to celebrate God in their lives.

--"Church" should be spiritual rather than religious, organic over organizational, and personal beyond institutional.

--"Church" should be where all can find support in becoming the special, unique, individuals God created us to be ... as well as to be part of a
welcoming, caring, and sharing community.

--"Church" should teach that God's love is unconditional ... that God's grace is freely given, not earned ... and that each of us is wonderfully created in the likeness of the Sacred.

--"Church" should dedicate as much of its resources to caring for others as it does to caring for itself.

--"Church" should work for the greater good by being active in service, mission, ministry, compassion, and social justice.

--"Church" should encourage us to ask questions as, together, we deal with the challenges of faith, belief, and observance.

--"Church" should think outside of the box and be eager to learn from other faith traditions ... open to different styles of worship ... and looking forward toward new possibilities or potential for ministry.

--"Church" should support the full inclusion of all people in its life and ministry. Our diversity is a reflection of the divine imprint we share.

If a new church like this might be of interest to you,, please drop me a note through this forum ... or directly: [email protected].

And please check out my current church website: www.doorcountypeopleoffaith.org for more information about our beliefs and operations.

God bless!

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SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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Expat Community > Ecuador

PROGRESSIVE CHURCH IN CUENCA?

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