Brazil

A sermon in 1859 in the chapel of Princeton Seminary inspired the first Presbyterian missionary to come to Brazil, the largest Roman Catholic country in the world. As a result Brazil today has religious diversity, freedom and tolerance, and it is home to nearly 1,000,000 Brazilian Presbyterians in several denominations. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) works in partnership with two of them, mainly through mission personnel working in the areas of theological education, mission training and social action projects.

While ecumenism is a challenge in Brazil, the PC(USA) and our partner churches participate actively in regional ecumenical bodies, especially the Alliance of Reformed and Presbyterian Churches in Latin America (AIPRAL) and the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI). We learn much from their interpretation of Scripture and from their bold prophetic voice against social and economic injustices.

Brief History

The 2009 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, pp. 295-296

October 19
October 20

Overview of Latin America and the Caribbean

World Alliance of Reformed Churches/AIPRAL:
Living Out the Accra Confession — Latin America

July 16, 2009 PW Gathering hosts commissioning service for mission personnel (David and Leigh Knauert)
June 5-7, 2009 Global food crisis monthly fast focus: Food Crisis in Brazil
June 5, 2009 [ALC] Prayer Mutirão intercedes for children at risk
March 13, 2009 [IPS] Brazil: Child Rape Case Revives Debate on Abortion
February 2009 Quartet of partner churches meet in Brazil — Sherron George
June 2008  PC(USA) maintains strong ties to Brazilian Church

Denver Presbytery
East Iowa Presbytery
Great Rivers Presbytery
Mississippi Presbytery
Muskingum Valley Presbytery
Southern New England Presbytery

Brazil Mission Network

• 2009 meeting date: Oct. 21–Oct. 22 (in conjunction with the Mission Celebration), Cincinnati, Ohio
• For information contact Maria Arroyo
  

The Brazil Mission Network is among more than 30 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices and develop strategies.