As we approach the end of 2019, we feel it is important to share with all of you what a great year we have had supporting Bishop Griselda, all the clergy and all the administrative team of the Episcopal Church of Cuba. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you who gave your passion, your time and your financial support - all of which helped make 2019 a truly great year. Here are just a few highlights:
Pension Fund - With the unanimous vote at the July 2018 General Convention to welcome the Cuban Episcopal Church back into the US Episcopal Church, pensions for the clergy were all reinstated. In order to close the funding gap for this, the US Episcopal Church successfully raised almost $800,000. The Clergy have their pensions back!
Water Purification Systems - When the ICTHUS strategic plan was created 3 years ago there were 17 water purifcation systems in various Episcopal Churches in Cuba. We are excited to report that by the end of 2019, there are 34 systems installed throughout Cuba, with 4 more on the ground ready for installation. 10 systems were installed in 2019. Thank you for everyone who has participated in this great progress. We estimate that these systems are now providing safe, clean water for between 800,000 to 1 million Cubans.
Companion Parishes - A big focus over the past few years has been identifying churches in the US looking for a companionship relationship with a church in Cuba. The objective of these relationship is to enter into community with a church and its parishioners, and also to help with the restoration of the infrastructure. We are excited to report that in 2019, eight US churches 'jumped in' and entered into partnership with a church in Cuba. Again - just fantastic progress.
Thank you again for your support of the Episcopal Church of Cuba, and we wish you a happy, healthy and blessed 2020.
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