The Anglican Church in Peru is still a very small, missionary diocese. As we seek to grow and become self-sufficient, perhaps our biggest challenge is a lack of indigenous leaders with sufficient theological and practical training. There is much to be done in mission, evangelism, ministry and service, yet so few human resources to draw upon. When the bishop wants to start a new mission church or urgently needs to fill a vacancy, there are few qualified people whom he can send. Likewise, when someone is needed to lead small groups, teach discipleship materials, promote outreach or oversee a parish ministry, few people are equipped to do so. Inevitably, this lack of trained leaders means that our parishes sometimes struggle with doctrinal confusion, with a lack of spiritual depth, and with anemic (or non-existent) ministries. For many years, it has been difficult to renew and strengthen these congregations, to minister effectively to people’s needs, or to plant new churches.

The Saints Augustine was established to help change this situation—to prepare many new Peruvians to serve as both lay and ordained ministers. The seminary also gives our current leaders the continuing education they are so hungry to receive: our courses provide them with practical insights to improve their ministries, along with biblical and theological instruction with which they can feed their congregations.

Because of this, the Saints Augustine is central to the vision God has given the Diocese of Peru for renewal and growth. It is, in fact, a crucial prerequisite which makes all of our future plans possible.

Understanding Religion in Peru and the Role of Anglicanism

Peru is certainly one of the most religious—and even spiritual—countries in the world. Unlike in “modern” western nations, where religion is relegated to the private sphere, in Peru it takes center stage as an integral part of society. The culture is thoroughly permeated by the symbols, traditions and beliefs of the Roman Catholic church and of the indigenous, Andean religions. These are particularly visible in its traditional arts and crafts. It is easy to start a conversation about God, and almost everyone would welcome being prayed for. According to the official statistics, over 90% of Peruvians profess themselves to be Roman Catholic.

You may then wonder, “Why are missions necessary in Peru? Isn’t Christianity already well-established there?” It’s a valid and important question.

What these statistics don’t show is that at least 30% of those who claim to be Christian are in reality Christo-pagan. That is, they have combined aspects of Christianity with traditional, indigenous religions, creating an odd syncretistic mix. Others, who lack discipleship and have deficient theology, have fallen prey to the many sects that are multiplying here, especially the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Or, Christian rituals, symbols and customs have lost their true meaning for them and have been turned into instruments of superstition.

Perhaps another 40% may be described as “nominal” or “cultural” Christians, whose understanding of Christianity and whose involvement in the church are minimal (not unlike what is found in England today). They may be “Catholics by birth,” but religion does not affect their daily lives at all. Statistics show that only about 14% of professing Catholics in Peru regularly attend church.

Unfortunately, Christianity in Peru is also marked by harsh divisions between Roman Catholics and Evangelicals. Both tend to regard the other as non-Christian and sometimes even satanic. Roman Catholics, who have more power, often discriminate against Evangelicals, whereas Evangelicals actively seek to convert and “re-baptize” Roman Catholics. The Anglican church in Peru is seeking to become a “bridge” between these groups and help to heal the wounds and divisions that have separated them.