First Bolivian bishop consecrated
CMS local partner Walter Toro has become the first Bolivian national to be bishop of the Anglican Church in the country
Photo: Walter Toro presides at communion at his consecration as bishop (Catherine Le Tissier/Church Mission Society)
On 1 May 2022 CMS local partner Walter Toro was consecrated as the first Bolivian Anglican bishop, as the Diocese of Bolivia came under national leadership for the first time.
Bishop Nick Drayson, Primate of the Church of South America and a CMS mission partner, led the service in Tarija and consecrated Walter as the new diocesan bishop, while church members from the diocese prayed for him. The joyful service was followed by a celebration including a meal and dancing.
Walter was previously vicar general and has led online training across the diocese during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as pastoring a congregation in Tarija. His appointment is part of a move towards local leadership across South America. Paul Tester, CMS manager in Latin America, went to the consecration and commented:
“I’m delighted to see the continued transition to local leadership of the Church across South America and it was a joy to be part of the celebration of the baton being passed to Bishop Walter.”
