Friday, October 17, 2008

The Right Reverend Bill Flagg, Dies at 79

From the Telegraph. Flagg was Presiding Bishop in what is now referred to as the Southern Cone.


Firmly rooted in the Evangelical tradition, Flagg made an indelible impression wherever he went, often travelling on horseback for several days across the continent's vast open spaces to minister to small isolated Christian communities and often to start new ones, particularly among the Mapuche Indians. He had taught himself Spanish on his first sea crossing to South America and acquired the ability to preach in several local languages. Inseparable from his preaching was a humble and inspiring personality who brought many to faith.

As a bishop, he recognised that the days of importing church leaders to South America from England were numbered, and he devoted a good deal of time to the training of indigenous clergy who would soon assume responsibility within their own parishes and dioceses. He also saw the importance of bringing the separate South American dioceses to work together and relate more closely to the rest of the worldwide Anglican Communion. He was himself a member of the Anglican Consultative Council from 1974 to 1979.

1 comment:

Celinda Scott said...

Whatever mistakes evangelicals make which other branches of the church decry, Bishop Flagg's actions seem to be what the New Testament is all about. Perhaps a lot depends on the environment in which one is witnessing for the faith whether one's actions are welcomed or criticized.