A tribute to Abelino Apeleo
Chile’s first indigenous Anglican bishop was longstanding friend and inspiration
Rt Rev Abelino Apeleo, the first indigenous Anglican bishop in Chile and an inspiration to CMS staff and partners, died suddenly on Monday 24 August 2026.
Bishop Abelino was a longstanding partner, both as bishop and as rector of the Instituto Bíblico Rural (IBR), playing a hugely significant role in training indigenous church leaders. His life and ministry laid foundations that would eventually shape Misión Indígena, a CMS-facilitated group supporting indigenous mission across Latin America.
Paul Tester, mission director at Church Mission Society, commented:
“Our relationship and partnership with Bishop Abelino spans so many years – as a partner, friend, advisor and a wonderful example of Christian leadership. He has been an inspiration to so many, including myself, and has always been an incredible witness.”
Joel Millanguir, a CMS partner and current Bishop of Temuco, shared this moving tribute to his friend and colleague with CMS manager in Latin America Alonso Silva:
Bishop Abelino was very important in the life of the church here in Chile and for the development of mission in the Araucanía region. He was a man who preached the gospel, not just with his words, but with the testimony of his life. His humility, simplicity and deep commitment to Jesus made him respected and beloved pastor among the communities he served.
Personally, Bishop Abelino profoundly marked my pastoral ministry. He was a spiritual father whose closeness and accompaniment were constant over the years. I had the privilege of being ordained by him as both deacon and priest, and then he preached at my consecration as bishop in 2023, moments that remain unforgettable for me.
We worked together for many years, especially in the rural ministry of our region and the ministry with the Mapuche people. In that walk I learned from him genuine love for the people from his land, his respect for indigenous culture and his tireless concern for the spiritual and human well-being of each person. For Bishop Abelino, mission wasn’t a programme, but a particular expression of the love of Jesus towards the most remote communities.
One of the qualities that most stood out was his extraordinary closeness to the people he ministered among. He knew how to listen with patience, tackle difficulties with calm and offer advice full of biblical wisdom and pastoral discernment. His leadership wasn’t instilled by authority, but born from service, compassion and by example.
Bishop Abelino had a fundamental role in Misión Indígena as a mentor in biblical training and pastoral ministry. His experience, leadership and deep knowledge of indigenous experiences have contributed significantly to the growth of discipleship initiatives, leadership training and the growth of a mission contextualised and faithful to the Scriptures.
This collaborative work seeks to strengthen the links between indigenous people in South America – Mapuche, Wichí, Toba, Chorote, Enxet and Angaité, among others – encouraging the exchange of experiences, cooperation between dioceses and building a mission that values the cultural identity of each people while proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord.
I give thanks to God for his life and ministry. His legacy continues inspiring those who had the privilege of walking alongside him, and his testimony lives on in the churches, the leaders he trained and the indigenous communities, to which he faithfully dedicated much of his life.
We pray for Bishop Abelino’s family and friends as they grieve, and give thanks to God for his life and witness.
