The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) supports the Christian witness in Uruguay through our partner church, the Evangelical Waldensian Church of Río de la Plata. Uruguay was the first country in Latin America to separate church and state. The Uruguayan constitution accords equal and nonofficial status to all religions, unlike neighboring Argentina where Catholicism is official, established and heavily subsidized by the State. The Waldensians, although small in number, are recognized as being a force for justice and moderation in Uruguay and Argentina.
Uruguay
In Uruguay, Presbyterian World Mission works in partnership with:
The Waldensian Evangelical Church of Rio de la Plata
The Waldensians have congregations in both Uruguay and Argentina. The denominational offices are in Colonia Valdense, Uruguay. The denomination supports two homes for the elderly, a home for the disabled, a children’s home, a students’ home and a social service center. It also has a strong year-long camping program for children, youth and families.
The Evangelical Church of Río de la Plata, based in Argentina, also has congregations in Uruguay and Paraguay.
The Alliance of Presbyterian and Reformed Churches of Latin America
This regional grouping of Presbyterian and Reformed churches maintains a small office in Uruguay. The PC(USA) has longed worked with the alliance to encourage sharing of pastoral training and discipleship resources within the Reformed family of churches throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Climate justice is a strong emphasis for the group.
Uruguay is a great place to bring a mission study or work team. Opportunities abound for service with the Waldensian Evangelical Church of Rio de la Plata as well as thoughtful reflection on urban ministry, climate justice and advocating in defense of family farms.
The Waldensian Evangelical Church of Rio de la Platais open to developing mission partnerships with PC(USA) churches and presbyteries.
Uruguay and the Critical Global Initiatives
Evangelism: Waldensian congregations are traditionally located in small towns or farming communities. As more and more people move to the cities, the PC(USA) is accompanying the Waldensians as they seek to develop successful strategies for urban ministry.
Alleviating Poverty: The Waldensian church works with other Uruguayan churches to provide social services to at-risk women and children, especially in urban areas.
Reconciliation: As churches throughout the region are increasingly divided over ideology, sexuality and doctrine, the Alliance of Presbyterian and Reformed Churches of Latin America works to create a safe space where groups holding disparate views can continue to work together in service to God’s mission.