Latin America & The Caribbean
© LWF/R. Bueno de Faria |
The Latin America and Caribbean region stretches from Mexico in the north to Chile/Argentina in the south. The region includes 16 member churches-14 in Latin America and two in the Caribbean-and nine recognized congregations/churches in Latin America.
These churches have very different backgrounds. Some were the result of immigration mainly from European countries in the eighteenth century. Others were planted by missionaries from the United States of America and Europe, while others emerged locally.
The churches in the region have set up a series of networks in order to give expression to their common mission, especially to their understanding of being churches in communion. The annual Church Leadership Conference has developed to the stage where common challenges are discussed, but also cooperation, exchange and joint ventures are agreed upon.
The Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil, for instance, supports the work of the member churches in Central America, by sending pastors and teachers. Churches are also networking in the areas of diaconia, women, education, communication and youth.
Generally speaking, churches say closer relationships between them are growing toward communion in Latin America and the Caribbean.
