Ramón Ovalle elected primate of the Anglican Church in Central America

The Rev. David Ulloa Chávez, lead for Global Episcopal Partnerships, and primate-elect, the Rt. Rev. Ramón Ovalle. Photo: Courtesy of David Chávez.

[Anglican Communion News Service] Guatemala Bishop Ramón Ovalle was elected primate of the Anglican Church in Central America, or the Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America, commonly known as IARCA, in Spanish.

“It is with gratitude and humility that I accept my election …. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me, and I embrace this responsibility with a firm commitment to continue advancing the mission of the church in our region, strengthening its living witness of faith, hope and service,” Ovalle said.

The election took place during IARCA’s eighth provincial synod held April 24-26 at the Anglican Church of St. John the Evangelist in San Salvador, El Salvador. The synod’s theme was “Let us rise up and build,” based on Nehemiah 2:18.

“It was a joy to be invited to join the synod of the Iglesia Anglicana de la Region de Centro America; to be present on behalf of The Episcopal Church, and to honor our longtime commitment to being partners in mission,” the Rev. David Ulloa Chávez, the church’s lead for Global Episcopal Partnerships, including Latin America and the Caribbean, told Episcopal News Service.

“Together with the Rt. Rev. Jo Bailey Wells, bishop for Episcopal Ministry in the Anglican Communion, we heard stories of faith and resilience, shared amazing fellowship with members from across the province, and were present to thank the outgoing primate and to welcome the incoming primate.”

Ovalle, who also serves as the interim bishop of Panama, will succeed the Most Rev. Juan David Alvarado Melgar, bishop of the Anglican-Episcopal Church in El Salvador.

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