Central Baptist Church has a long history of commitment to building relationships in Central America, beginning with the congregation's vote in 1984 to participate in the Sanctuary Movement during the war in El Salvador. Mauricio, our first sanctuary refugee, arrived at CBC in February 1985.

Delegations of congregation members have traveled to El Salvador on numerous occasions. We have participated in emergency rebuilding efforts after hurricanes and floods, worked on building a worship space in Santa Elena, represented Philadelphia area congregations with our sister city program in Las Anonas, provided financial support for many projects, supported work at the Baptist Seminary in Santa Ana, participated in official anniversary events honoring Archbishop Oscar Romero and others, worked as official observers during elections, and established enduring personal friendships with our partner congregations.

In addition, we regularly host visitors from El Salvador, both personal friends and also representatives from various Salvadoran organizations. On two occasions in the past, we have provided extended housing and hospitality to Salvadoran students enrolled in graduate programs in our area. Pastors from our partner churches in Santa Elena, Santa Ana, and Atiquizaya have visited our congregation, as well as delegations of members of those churches.
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2/23/07

1987

  • Romero Interfaith Center supports Las Anonas repatriations
  • Kathleen Bailey, Heather Long, Nora ---- visit Sta. Elena
  • CBC/RIC delegation to Las Anonas: Ron Morgan, Art Jansen, Laura Van Sprueil
  • March '87 -- Kathleen Bailey, Eric DeBaufre, Melanie Johnson, Helen Delano (Royersford church), Fran Munday -- first commemoration of Archbishop Romero to take place since the killings that occurred at his funeral in 1980
  • August '87 -- trip to Corinto, Nicaragua, with several days in El Salvador
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