The 62nd Synod Assembly of the Evangelical Waldensian Church of the Rio de la Plata recently adjourned, after meeting for four days in the Parque 17 de Febrero in Uruguay. This initial report was written by the synod’s vice president Mariano Chialva.
In describing the results of the recent synod assembly, it is important to acknowledge that what has been done in this synod meeting is really just a reflection of similar work that is also being done in each congregation in the Waldensian Church in the Rio de la Plata in Uruguay and Argentina in South America.
The life and witness of each congregation is discussed in every annual synod meeting. Each synod meeting provides an opportunity to ask questions about the progress of our church, as well as to monitor projects that are already underway. Synod meetings help us to continue growing in our faith and to strengthen the life of our congregations. Our work here is but a subset of God’s mission, which is infinitely greater than the mission of any one particular church. God’s mission is the task of constructing a more just world. Our hope is not only that we will live into a new era with greater justice, but also that we will reflect deeply and think critically on the reality in which we currently live.
During the four days of its recent meeting, the synod assembly addressed how it can better support the church’s work with adolescents and young people. The synod assembly also explored the church’s diaconal ministry, examining specific service projects as well as the entire organization of diaconal ministry. The synod also discussed how best to strengthen congregations and to train lay leaders.
The synod assembly also welcomed Antonio Santana into the pastoral body of the Evangelical Waldensian Church of the Rio de la Plata. His recognition as a Waldensian pastor was a moment of immense joy and gratitude.
Many guests from other religious groups and denominations were also present at the synod assembly. Their presence made it possible for the delegates to hear new perspectives and viewpoints and will inevitably help foster ecumenical dialogue.
When everything is said and done, this synod assembly shows how important the congregations are to the Evangelical Waldensian Church in the Río de la Plata. The synod delegates returned to their congregations knowing that the encounters between people with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints that are characteristic of Waldensian congregations are the key to finding the new and abundant life that God offers.
On the final day of the 62nd synod assembly, elections were held for the synod commissions and for the Waldensian Mesa or governing board. This coming year the Mesa will be composed of Marcelo Nicolau, moderator; Marta Garnier, vice-moderator; Darío Barolín; Darío Dalmas; and Mariela Gonnet, members, and Álvaro Michelin Salomon and Laura Gonnet, alternates.
The photo above is of Moderator Marcelo Nicolau and Pastor Emeritus Claudia Tron as they introduced some new lay leader training materials.
