Episcopal Press and News
Nicaragua to Elect First Bishop in 1984
Episcopal News Service. December 9, 1982 [82256]
The Rev. Dr. Robert W. Renouf, Director of Diocesan Center & Staff
MANAGUA, Nicaragua (DPS, Dec. 9) -- Resolutions on autonomy, alcoholism, peace, ministry to the poor, tithing, election of a Nicaraguan bishop and lay ministry were overwhelmingly approved by the delegates of the 13th annual diocesan convention of the Episcopal Church of Nicaragua, meeting in Managua, Nov. 20-21.
More than 60 delegates, representing the Miskito, Creole and Hispanic congregations of the Episcopal Church of Nicaragua, voted to elect their first Nicaraguan bishop in November 1984. The Rt. Rev. Cornelius Joshua Wilson of Costa Rica and Bishop-in-Charge of Nicaragua, was requested to continue in that capacity until a new bishop takes office in early 1985.
In other actions, the Anglican Institute of the Episcopal Church of Nicaragua was voted affiliate status with the diocese.
Wilson, in his convention address, identified three needs of the diocese as being leadership development for an autonomous church, community services -- especially to the poor and disadvantaged -- and spiritual renewal.
The convention pledged itself to the tithe as a standard of giving for the Episcopal Church in Nicaragua and urged all clergy and other church leaders to tithe and to teach the tithe as the standard.
The Episcopal Church of Nicaragua, founded as a part of the Anglican Church in the 1850s, will study autonomy for 1985.