How can I reflect fully on a 10-day trip spent in Brazil, in an amazing diocese, with incredible people? I can only offer highlights of my “takeaways” (not the food kind…although the food there was great!). These are some key observations from my experience.
Some background
On July 12, the 7th Sunday after Pentecost, I preached for the first time, with a translator relaying in Portuguese. I was the homilist in the Church of the Holy Spirit in Brazil! There is a strange waiting period, a time lag between speaking and when the listeners actually hear the words in their language. I wish I knew Portuguese better. The gospel was the parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23. Upon reflecting on that passage, I didn’t think I could preach on the goal of being “good soil.” With the history of the colonization of Brazil, and preaching there for the first time, the message couldn’t be, “do better.” I noted the fact that like a flower growing in the crack in a sidewalk, there is a sense of hope against hope that something good will happen even in the places that aren’t the best for seed-growing. The realm of our generous God happens even in the hard places.
I quoted liberation theologian Gustavo Gutierrez from, The God of Life. “Despite a long history as victims of systemic violence, the people of Latin America are able to proclaim the good news of salvation and have learned how to ‘talk about a God who is revealed as love in a situation characterized by poverty and oppression.’”
I want to acknowledge the people caught up by the love of God, the people of faith and action in the Diocese of Brasilia.
The people
The stories of struggle and faith were palpable. I was reminded of the figures of faith in Hebrews 11.
Who are these people? One is a person who grew up in a Roman Catholic Church, felt called to be a priest from a very young age, but was not allowed to because he was gay. He waited and waited for over 25 years to fulfill that call. Who, late in life, found and joined the Anglican Church, was “priested” and is now doing amazing ministry leading his small church in devoted faith and in reaching out to the vulnerable. Together they cook and deliver 100 hot meals in the streets each week.
For LGBTQ+ people who looked and had no place to find community to support their journey and their faith. Who have found belonging in churches in the Diocese of Brasilia, with many attending the cathedral.
Stories of sacrifice. One priest, already ordained, chose to complete a nurse technician degree in order that he could be the remarkable coordinator of Casa A+ House and undertake the ministry of advocacy and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
I learned of a church choosing to downsize its space by moving into a smaller building so that they could be in the inner core of the city and reach out to the vulnerable more readily. They are planning to refigure their small space in order to provide hospitality and to house new immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals for short periods. This same church advocates for the protection of the building and people in the local mosque, as they have faced hate crimes and discrimination.
I was impressed that there are 25 people in the Diocese of Brasilia in a discernment process, considering what way they are called to ministry.
Their ability to be flexible was readily noted, given that churches are small numerically. On the first Sunday we were present, two parishes closed down their own services so they could worship with the visitors from Toronto. On the last Sunday, three churches joined with the cathedral to hear Bishop Kevin Robertson’s fabulous sermon and to celebrate the Rev. Canon Maurice Francois becoming an honorary canon to the Diocese of Brasilia.
It was poignant to see the high walls around a church, denomination not disclosed, called, “Mary, Mother of the Poor,” which does little social action. Many denominations are not involved in that way. This puts pressure on the Diocese of Brasilia. With ecumenism sparse, working together for the common good is not an option. The resources of the diocese are spread in incredible ways and they constantly work under a deficit budget, looking in faith for provision.
After listing many stories of faith in Hebrews 11, the writer says, “And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about,” and I don’t have time to tell about the resilience and encouragement of Bishop Mauricio Andrade and of the outreach school that Sandra, his partner, runs; or of the wider work of Rev. Rodrigo Espiuca as the Communion Forest facilitator; or of theologian Paulo Ueti; of the Rev. Tatiana (Tati) Ribeiro, Dean of the Cathedral Church of the Resurrection, for the hours she commits to support young people; or of Walster, an enthusiastic young server at the Church of the Holy Trinity or other dedicated lay people who so generously give their time.
I am so grateful to the people of the Diocese of Brasilia for their faith and hospitality. The time with them helped encourage my faith. I am also grateful to our Diocese of Toronto for entering into this companionship with them and allowing me to have this incredible experience.
Our garden provides fresh produce