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THE COMISSION ON GLOBAL MINISTRY -
THE DIOCESE OF CHICAGO

The Episcopal Church of the United States of America

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COMPANION DIOCESAN RELATIONSHIPS
“Companion diocese relationships have introduced me to living examples of people who place a priority on their relationships with God, of relying upon God and trusting Him under the harshest conditions. A partnering relationship is an un-paralleled opportunity and blessing for experiencing the true meaning of mission." Jeffrey D. Lee, Bishop of the Diocese of Chicago


The Diocese of Chicago is linked in companion relationships with two Anglican dioceses:
Southeast Mexico in southern Mexico and
Diocese of Renk of the Episcopal Church of Sudan, Africa

These three dioceses have been linked since 2001 for a five year committment. In 2006, the Commission on Global Ministry embarked on a second five second five year term of support, encouraging additional churches and groups in the Diocese of Chicago to continue reaching out to our friends in these developing lands.

All three dioceses and their bishops are pledged to mutual support, encouragement, and prayer. All three dioceses have agreed to share the resources that they have in abundance with each other: to pray for each other, to visit each other, to encourage each other, to share spiritual journeys, to extend friendships, and, where money is abundant, to share financial resources. Bishop Joseph Garang Atem Zorial of Renk, Bishop Benito Juárez Martinez of Southeast Mexico, and Bishop Jeffrey Lee of Chicago are actively involved in this sharing.

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Bishop Joseph Garang Atem Zorial, Diocese of Renk, Sudan


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Bishop Benito Juárez Martinez, Diocese of Southeast Mexico


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Bishop Jeffrey Lee, Diocese of Chicago


THE PURPOSE OF A COMPANION RELATIONSHIP

To help strengthen the Anglican Communion through the direct experience of interdependence across cultural and geographical boundaries within the Body of Christ, and

To strengthen one another for mission by building a relationship in which each partner is both giver and receiver.

From the Companion Diocese Handbook Anglican & Global Relations Office of ECUSA